A popular tourist resort in Benidorm, in southern Spain, is split into two as Spanish tourists reveal that they are trying to avoid Britain, branding them as “rude and rude.” Benidorm has become a popular destination for Britain due to its long, hot summers, a vibrant nightlife and a strong British presence with many hotels, restaurants and shops employing English-speaking staff.
However, Spanish holiday makers head to Costa Blanca for a relaxed stay and see the British people as symbols of local overtourism. As a result, the seaside towns were divided into two, with the Spaniards clinging to the traditional streets of the “old town” and the British flocking to the “new towns” filled with pubs. Stephen Kritozov, who has lived and worked in Benidorm for three years, said, “The British stay in one area, and Spanish stays in one area.”
However, not all locals are in conflict with the disparity to keep Benidorm peaceful. “I want the (British) to be away from the area then,” Ariadna Perez, 22, who works at an ice cream shop in the old town, told MailOnline. “Not many people like British tourists,” they added. “Some British tourists have said that it's rude to see them getting drunk, and sometimes very rude and rude.”
Meanwhile, Gosek Torres, the hotel receptionist, reflects the sentiment and protests spread throughout Spain. The growth of the tourism industry and the demand for short-term rentals like Airbnb and other holiday accommodations has skyrocketed by locals.
“I don't think tourists are the right tourists that have to change now,” Torres said. “The flats are primarily for tourists and people working here don’t have a flat.
“When the British are drunk, they're not good.”
Alex Perez, 37, who has lived and worked in Benidorm for his life, said certain “types” behaviour of British tourists flocking to the new town have declined significantly over the past decade. According to him, the main issue was the arrival of Stag Dos, which transformed Benidorm into Magaluf in Mallorca.
“We used to be more families, but now it's drugs and drugs,” he said. “They don't respect. You can quickly see them everywhere (punning) and walk down the street with drinks.
“I have nothing to British people, but those who come to this area are the worst.”
