Spain is a popular holiday destination for Brits but there’s one tourist habit that can quickly sour relations with locals – and it’s a mistake many people make
Brits love Spain for its sun-kissed beaches and, let’s not forget, the attractively priced pints.
But there’s a tourist faux pas that could quickly turn your holiday sour – overdoing the booze. Christian Wolf, the big boss at CW Real Estate Ibiza, has issued a warning: knock back too many drinks and you might get more than just frosty stares from the Spanish locals, you could end up in hot water with the law too.
“Although binge drinking may be common practice in many countries, people in Spain like to take their time with drinking,” he points out. “Tourists often come to Spain ready to party, but what they don’t realise is that binge drinking is not as accepted here.” In some Spanish hotspots, the situation has got so out of hand that a six-drink cap has been slapped on guests at all-inclusive resorts in places like Magaluf, Playa de Palma, El Arnel in Majorca, and San Antonio in Ibiza. If this works, they might roll it out even further.
But don’t think the Spaniards don’t like a tipple. According to the Express, Wolf assures us that the locals do indulge, but they’re all about sipping slowly, nibbling on tapas, and enjoying the company, reports the Daily Record. Wolf goes on to say: “Many Spaniards like to go out and have several drinks over the span of an evening while snacking on tapas and other small bites. This way they are not just drinking to get drunk, but to enjoy their time with their friends and family and have longevity throughout the night.”
So, if you’re jetting off to Spain and want to fit in with the crowd, remember: slow and steady wins the race. Drinking too much, to the point where you show disrespect to locals and cause property damage, is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.” New laws for British tourists visiting Spain are set to come into force in December, meaning they may have to share their bank details with Spanish hotels, car-hire firms and travel agencies. The 18 extra details holidaymakers will need to provide will be kept under file for three years.
These regulations were due to come into force on October 1 but were delayed following an outcry from Spain’s travel industry. The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (Cehat) is worried the new rules could cause “chaos” for the country’s tourism industry if they are introduced. Michele Massa, CEO at Ibiza Summer Villas, told the Daily Mail: “There’s a lot of pressure on British tourists already not to enter Spain, and if there are now extra deterrents, as more of their personal information is being withheld, it may entice them to go elsewhere.”
