Anti-tourism protesters slapped down as loved Spanish region already faces record year

Boasting excellent weather with almost year-round sunshine, stunning landscapes and idyllic beaches, it is not hard to see why the Spanish region of is one of the top tourist destinations, especially with Brits. 

In around three hours, sun-seeking can leave behind the gloom of the UK and hop on a flight to explore some of the rich culture of the southern region – including in vibrant cities like Seville and    

Last year, did so in their millions. 

In 2024, Andalusia had a record-breaking year with some 36.2 million visitors and raking in nearly 30 billion euros (£25.2 billion) in tourist revenue.

Yet these increasing figures show no sign of slowing any time soon, which will not come as welcome news to the tens of thousands of  protesters who took to the streets across the country to show their anger at the current tourism model.

On Wednesda, January 22, the President of the Junta de Andalucía, , shared optimistic expectations for the tourism sector this year, anticipating continued growth in revenue, visitor numbers, and increasingly stable employment.

Mr Moreno revealed that forecasts suggest the region will welcome over 37 million tourists this year, noting that these figures confirm the success of focusing on quality over quantity. 

Mr Moreno stated that “revenues grew twice as much as visitor numbers. This is a distinctly positive figure. They spent an average of €82 [£69] per day, 5.5% more than in 2023 and 23% more than in 2019. This was the goal alongside creating 400,000 jobs, marking the best year for job creation.”

The Councillor of Tourism, Arturo Bernal, reflected on Andalusia’s participation in the International Tourism Fair (Fitur), maintaining that “we have turned the fair into what it should be – a business exchange centre and a key space to position Andalusia as a preferred destination that has diversified and broken seasonality.” 

He highlighted that in 2024, the region also regained pre- levels of international tourist arrivals, surpassing 2019 figures by half a million with 13 million foreign visitors and 23.1 million domestic travellers. 

“2024 has been a historic year – the best in terms of economic impact and employment,” Mr Bernal claimed, adding that they achieved the lowest seasonality rate to date at 33%, distributing visitor flows more evenly across the territory.

Specifically, Jaén was the province with the highest increase in tourists last year, rising by 14%.

The President of Andalusia also announced goals for 2025, highlighting that “we continue progressing. We must prepare for a good year where we expect over 37 million travellers. The aim is quality visitors and the benefits they bring.”

He stressed the need to focus on sustainability and regenerative tourism that benefits society and coexists harmoniously with residents. To this end, he introduced an ethical tourism code and 40 million euros (£33.6 million) in aid for rational energy and water-use projects like the green electric propulsion corridor between Tarifa and Tangier.

Overtourism has become a pressing issue in Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia, where popular destinations like Seville, Granada, and have experienced a significant influx of tourists in recent years. Locals have increasingly voiced their frustration through protests, demanding that authorities take action to balance tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage and the quality of life for residents.

A protest in Malaga last year drew thousands of attendees, as locals gathered to demand action against the rising pressures of overtourism, including escalating housing costs and the disruption of their daily lives, with organisers estimating .