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.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…
Related posts
- Amsterdam Makes Bold Move To Slash Cruise Ship Visits And Relocate Terminal
- 32 Cruise Industry Statistics and Facts For 2024
- 14 Best Walkable Cruise Ports You Don’t Need Excursions For
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Popular Cruise Captain Retires After Incredible 50-Year Career
After an extraordinary 50-year career with Royal Caribbean, Captain Johnny Faevelen has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for one of the company’s most beloved leaders. The…
Virgin Voyages Unveils Luxurious 2026 Annual Pass With Exclusive Perks, Including Necker Island Stay
Virgin Voyages has launched its 2026 Annual Pass, offering unparalleled access to the cruise line’s fleet and an exclusive one-week stay on Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private retreat in…
Father Dies After Jumping From Cruise Ship on Boxing Day With Harrowing Final Words
A 51-year-old father-of-four tragically died on Boxing Day after jumping from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic in the Caribbean, despite his family’s desperate attempts to restrain him. Dan McGilvray, a…
Royal Caribbean Passenger Faces $1,300 Cell Phone Bill Due to Common Oversight
A Royal Caribbean passenger’s relaxing cruise turned into a costly lesson after returning home to discover a $1,300 cell phone bill, stemming from a simple but expensive mistake. The incident…
