A new sunbed tax has been enforced in Spain, which could see UK tourists fined more than £200 for reserving a spot in the sun in certain areas
British holidaymakers are now facing a fresh ‘sunbed tax’ in Spain, with warnings that those heading to the European Union could be slapped with fines exceeding £200.
Tourists who try to reserve sun loungers at certain Spanish destinations risk being hit with a hefty €250 (approximately £216) penalty, travel insurer Tiger has warned. The clampdown is taking place in popular areas like Barcelona and Costa Blanca.
The new regulation comes into effect following “numerous” grievances about sunbeds being held for hours without anyone using them. One Briton shared their thoughts: “Never had an issue with going to France. The people are nice and if you try and speak French they will speak English. Its the people in power that is the problem.” In other related news, here’s a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
READ MORE: Laughing gas trend hits Brit tourist hotspot as holidaymakers slump on pavementsREAD MORE: Must have family treats on holiday from crisps to beers – see full list
Another vented their frustration: “Why do the Brits enjoy inflicting pain on themselves? The EU doesn’t want Brits just their money Spain has continued an economic war on UK citizens other EU countries are doing the sane.”
The growing resentment towards the EU’s perceived exploitation of UK tourists is palpable. Calls for a peaceful boycott to force change are gaining traction as one person put it: “Let the Spanish have their ideological socialism. Why contribute?” Meanwhile, another remarked: “Sunbed war hoggers are selfish and deserve a fine.”
“About time! Totally agree with this. Ruins it for other tourists who cant find one,” another voiced their support. “They loved us before bringing in the money now they don’t well let the restaurants and bars go skint and reap what they sow just don’t bother going there take your holidays and money elsewhere,” another user remarked.
READ MORE: Five things every traveller should know before holidaying in Majorca
This sentiment emerges as anti-tourism protests are increasingly prevalent in popular holiday destinations, reports Birmingham Live. A hotel proprietor spoke to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, expressing concern: “We’ve scared the tourists away. I wouldn’t want to spend my holidays in a place where I don’t feel welcome.”
In many areas of Spain, there has been an increasing backlash against the impacts of tourism, with locals blaming foreign visitors for escalating property prices, a rise in anti-social behaviour, and pressure on public services. It has led to numerous anti-tourism protests all over the peninsula, screaming the words “tourists go home”.
Meanwhile, a waiter at a local eatery dependent on tourist trade observed that the area has been challenged in drawing visitors like it used to. Their comment was telling: “Except on weekends or rainy days, there’s not much going on here; we’re just waiting around, and it’s been like this since May.”