The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has warned that cruise lines may decide to boycott popular ports in Spain due to the ongoing protests in the country against tourists.
Many Spanish residents have been protesting against tourists, claiming that the industry drives up prices for those living in the country and makes it unaffordable to live in central areas of major cities.
The protests have been very strong in destinations like Barcelona, where some visitors have even reported being sprayed by water or hit by debris during protests where residents are holding placards that say “Tourists go home”.
Mallorca is another popular cruise destination where protests have taken place, including beach blockades.
And the Canary Islands residents often claim that tourist numbers are larger than those living on the island, meaning problems with traffic and overall quality of life for permanent residents.
CLIA’s European director has claimed that the behaviour of some protestors is harming the reputation of the country and that cruise itineraries may change if things don’t improve.
“Tourism-phobia is not only a problem in Spain, but also in France and other Mediterranean countries, but visitors are increasingly sensitive and the scenes that have been seen in places like Barcelona have an impact on the reputation of the destination”
CLIA’s European director, Marie Caroline Laurent
Destinations are already making moves to limit the number of cruise ship visits per day, in a bid to appease protestors.
But there is resistance toward an outright ban, with the Spanish government pointing out how beneficial the cruise tourism industry is for the economy.
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