Empty beaches? Reduction in tourist numbers?

[TheAmusedQuail]

Is this real? The media keep reporting on empty beaches, lack of tourists in bars, hotels with empty rooms.

I think this is mainly supposed to be in Spain and the Canaries. Having lived in Spain, I know over tourism was horrific. But I also know a huge amount of gross national income in Spain comes from tourism.

Is this a real thing though? Or is the media over hyping it. Has anyone seen evidence of this personally? No one I know who lives in the resorts in the areas I used to live in has reported any evidence of it.

We’re currently in Croatia and it feels a lot busier than it did last time we were here 3 years ago. It’s more expensive now they’re in the euro zone but still cheaper than Spain so maybe the tourists are moving.

I think some of the stories about heatwaves, very high temperatures, and not really being able to enjoy it because of the heat have put people off a bit. Not to mention some places having protests about tourists overwhelming their communities and holiday lets stopping locals buying houses. Just like touristy places in the UK.

I wonder if one thing that has had an impact is the changes to EU entry requirements which are now coming in October but were going to be earlier. Probably not the whole cause, but a contributor perhaps?

If I wanted to up my tour company or holiday company sales, I too would plant stories about beaches being empty.

I live Mallorca and have never seen any protests. There have been a few in Palma and that’s it. I’m up in Pollensa and it’s busy but not horrendously so. Prices here are ridiculous nowadays so maybe that’s why it’s quieter. I never understand why people come here in August as it does get horrendously hot. There are cooler places to go!

Good point!

Mmm, I'm not sure. No one wants to be caught up in anti tourist protests which have been reported.