BREAKING NEWS Easyjet cabin crew announce summer strike in Spain

Easyjet's cabin crews based in Spain will go on strike for three days beginning on June 25 to demand higher wages, the USO union said on Tuesday, as the holiday season gets underway.
The airline intends to operate normally during those days, a spokesperson said, adding the company would do everything possible to minimise the impact.
In its statement, the union said 657 flight attendants who are based in Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca, could be involved in the action.
EasyJet cabin crews earn much less in Spain than in other countries, according to the union.
'The strike's goal is to level the crews' working and wage conditions in Spain with the ones at other bases of the company in Europe,' it said.
Regulation in Spain forces airline workers to provide minimum services during labour action, limiting any disruption.
This is a breaking story, more to follow.

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Daily Mail​

6 hours ago

• Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Benidorm's battle lines: How tourist town is split in two with Spanish holidaymakers avoiding Brits like the plague

Locals in Benidorm have revealed how Spanish tourists avoid Brits in the town at all costs and branded them 'rude and disrespectful'. For many Brits, Benidorm is the neon lights of late night bars, cheap pints in the sun, raucous stag parties and football on big screens. But for Spanish holidaymakers flocking to the Costa Blanca for a relaxing getaway visitors from the UK are the very symbol of the scurge of over-tourism. The battle lines in Benidorm are drawn between the traditional quaint streets of the 'Old Town' where native visitors go to unwind and the buzzing pub-packed strips of 'the New Town' where Brit drinkers party the night away. Stephen Critzov, who has lived and worked in Benidorm for three years, told MailOnline: 'The British stay in one area and the Spanish stay in one area.' While Ariadna Perez, 22, who works at an ice cream shop in the old town, said the tourist divide keeps Benidorm peaceful. She said: 'I want them [the Brits] to stay away from this area, not many people like the British tourists. 'Some British tourists are rude they're drunk and sometimes they're very rude and disrespectful.' Ms Perez's distaste towards Brits comes as anti-tourism protests have been raging across the country. This month, thousands marched to tell Brits to 'go home' as part of widespread protests against so-called 'over tourism'. One of their biggest issues is that as the tourism industry has grown in Spain, the demand for BnBs and holiday accommodation has risen, causing rent for locals to soar. Meanwhile, other protesters have taken matters into their own hands - spraying British tourists with water guns in the middle of the day. While Brit holidaymakers in Benidorm are yet to be soaked by rampaging protesters - the sentiment is shared. Hotel receptionist Gosec Torres said: 'I think tourists now are not the right tourists it has to change 'The flats are mostly for tourists and the people that are working here have no flats. 'The British when they're drunk they're not good.' Alex Perez, 37, who has lived and worked in Benidorm his whole life, said the behaviour from a certain 'type' of British tourist attracted to the 'New Town' has gone significantly downhill in recent years. He said: 'It's gotten worse in the last 10 years or so. The main issue is they've started bringing stag dos and turning it into Magaluf in general, it's been really bad. 'It used to be more families and now it's drugs and drugs on drugs. 'They're not respectful, you can see them straight away they're p****** everywhere and walking across the streets with drinks. 'I don't have anything against the Brits but the ones who come to this area are the worst.' Ana Cordero, who works in the local pharmacy in 'New Town', has to begrudgingly deal with British tourists everyday. 'This is a very delicate area, our opinion is there are different types of tourists,' she cautiously explained. 'We have the young people that come for weddings and they are rowdy. 'First of all we have to tell them please get dressed inside our chemist they never have a t-shirt. 'They have wee'd outside our shop and some days when we come in the morning we find a surprise. 'They drink a lot a lot a lot. But this is how we live from tourist people, it has changed in the last 10 years the type of tourists. We want the old tourists but every hotel must be full. ' Robert Topolewski, who has lived and worked in 'New Town' Benidorm for decades, said the tourist demographic used to be the same as the 'Old Town'. He explained: 'The first time I was in Spain we used to have cabaret and it was couples who were well dressed now we have groups. 'The Spanish were very well dressed sitting with one tonic water back in the day, then they changed it all for the British because there's more money to be made.' And while locals benefit off the money that British tourism brings, Brits who have moved to the area for a better life feel it's ruining their reputation among their new Spanish neighbours. 'They create a very bad reputation I get a lot of s*** off everyone in school there's a stereotype of English being drug addicts alcoholics fat noisy fighting all the time,' explained Millie Redrup, 17, who moved to Benidorm with her family four years ago. 'They have a very bad name because there are a lot of bad ones. 'Oh my god they're like tornados just this morning I had some boy passed out in one of my columns he was pissed just finished partying at 10am. 'The Spanish hate the English tourists but without the tourists the economy would crash.' And much to the dismay of Spanish locals, the Brits abroad consider Benidorm a home away from home and have no intention of holidaying elsewhere. Wendy Carhartt, 56, from Plymouth said: 'We keep your economy going and you in business. 'If anyone sprays me with water you get a fist. 'I'll be honest we come from Plymouth and we can be a bit anti our own people coming to our neck of the woods but at end of the day people's jobs depend on it so you can't have the best of both worlds. 'Without tourism Benidorm would die. You say Benidorm to anybody in England they know where it is.' Susan Willis from Cheshire visits Benidorm every year, and while she understands why the Spanish are unhappy, she thinks British tourists aren't that bad. She said: 'I'm on the Spanish side people do take over once they get in but at the same time it's not our fault it's the government who should do something about it to stop selling. 'We come here for a fortnight every year and we have a nice time and we find the Spanish people friendly. 'I wouldn't like to be sitting and having a meal and have someone squirt water at me it's rude I wouldn't dream of doing that in my country. 'I can see how they've had enough but it's not our fault we just come here to spend our money.' Tourism is the biggest industry in Benidorm and several locals that work here want 'generous' Brits to continue to visit. Carolina Dip, who works at a cafe in the 'Old Town' said: 'I like the tourists because they're very generous. 'For me the best tourists are the English. They are very nice very happy and very generous.' Mr Galera even wants to see more Brits daring to set foot in the 'Old Town'. 'We prefer English tourists in our bar because Spanish people are saving their money they won't tip and English tourists drink and tip,' he added. Meanwhile, Ash Copus who moved to the seaside town from Milton Keynes five years ago, thinks the relationship between the Spanish and the British in the area is evolving. He said: 'Brits love the sun and cheap drinks. No matter where you go you get a bad bunch. 'The Spanish think we're crazy they think we're mad because we can drink in the sun sitting in the sun all afternoon, you wouldn't see a Spanish person sitting in the sun in the afternoon. 'We do get on though, Covid was massive, Spanish before Covid were going against Brits but after it's made a huge difference because they needed Brits for their businesses to survive.' So can you expect to be sprayed with a water gun when visiting Benidorm? It's unlikely. But in order to keep the peace, it may be worth sticking to the designated Brit zone.

The Sun

7 hours ago

• The Sun

‘It's my new favourite Spanish destination' – The pretty city with €2.50 wine and Europe's biggest flea market

OUR new column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots. This week we turn the spotlight on Spanish capital Madrid, with the help of a true expert. 6 6 The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city. She said: "I've been lucky enough to visit a number of Spanish cities, and Madrid has become my favourite. "It feels more livable than other more tourist destinations, with an amazing food and drink scene. "I mingled with the locals at Pez, where the only thing on the menu is huge sloppy pieces of tortilla chased with a cana (small beer) or tinto de verano for €2.50. "Otherwise my favourite rooftop bar is El Cielo de Montera, which felt more like a swanky rooftop members club. "The pool is reserved for hotel guests, but its the best place for an Aperol Spritz and views of the city (costs €10 but it gets taken off her bill). "Otherwise catch some live music at Sala Equi, a former adult-movie theatre turned bar/live music venue. D"on't forget to visit the famous Prado Museum after 6pm for free tickets. "And it is often called one of Europe's most walkable city but I fell in love with the Metro, making it super easy to get around. And Hannah Shaw is British Airways Holidays' destination executive for the city and here she shares her favourite tips... 6 6 MUST SEE / DO The peaceful Parque del Retiro is often considered as the locals' equivalent to a beach. This tranquil park offers rowboat rentals on a picturesque lake, pretty rose gardens and the historic Crystal Palace. The Plaza Mayor, Madrid 's grand central square, and the Royal Palace are must-sees. But also take time to visit the Sunday market of El Rastro - it's the largest open-air market in Europe and the place to pick up a bargain. HIDDEN GEMS Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lake of Casa de Campo, Madrid's largest public park. And head to the vibrant neighbourhood of Lavapies - full of energy and history, it is one of the best spots to get an authentic local experience in the city. Wander around the colourful narrow streets and explore a variety of captivating architecture and quaint little shops. 6 BEST VIEW The Sky Bar terrace on the 27th floor of the Hotel Riu Plaza Espana, in the grand Edificio Espana on Madrid's Gran Via, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Sunset is best for admiring the city as it comes alive after dark with live music and classy cocktails. But the glass-floored bridge that connects two parts of the terrace is not for vertigo sufferers. RATED RESTAURANTS Take your pick of gourmet specialities at the Mercado San Miguel - this fabulous food market features Spain 's finest produce and regional specialities. For the best churros, head to Chocolateria San Gines, and tapas lovers should make a beeline for La Casa del Abuelo or Casa Toni. For the best paella in Madrid, head to Arroceria. BEST BAR The Calle 365 Discoteca is a stylish nightspot with dancing, delicious food trucks, cocktails and beers from just £2.50. For something a little different, try La Santoria, a speakeasystyle joint in the centre of the city behind an unassuming door where your clue is the bell to ring. HOTEL PICK The H10 Puerta de Alcala in the Salamanca neighbourhood is well located for exploring, and just 100 yards from the Parque del Retiro. Enjoy a dip in its rooftop pool after a busy day, or a drink on the terrace with stunning city views. Two nights' room-only at the hotel is from £321 per person including flights from Heathrow on May 15. See

The Independent

9 hours ago

• The Independent

Surging travel in Europe spikes concerns over tourism's drawbacks

Suitcases rattle against cobblestones. Selfie-snappers jostle for the same shot. Ice cream shops are everywhere. Europe has been called the world's museum, but its record numbers of visitors have also made it ground zero for concerns about overtourism. Last year, 747 million international travelers visited the continent, far outnumbering any other region in the world, according to the U.N.'s World Tourism Barometer. Southern and Western Europe welcomed more than 70% of them. As the growing tide of travelers strains housing, water and the most Instagrammable hotspots in the region, protests and measures to lessen the effects of overtourism have proliferated. Here's a look at the issue in some of Europe's most visited destinations. What's causing overtourism Among factors driving the record numbers are cheap flights, social media, the ease of travel planning using artificial intelligence and what U.N. tourism officials call a strong economic outlook for many rich countries that send tourists despite some geopolitical and economic tensions. Citizens of countries like the U.S., Japan, China and the U.K. generate the most international trips, especially to popular destinations, such as Barcelona in Spain and Venice in Italy. They swarm these places seasonally, creating uneven demand for housing and resources such as water. Despite popular backlash against the crowds, some tourism officials believe they can be managed with the right infrastructure in place. Italy's Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè said she thinks tourism flows at crowded sites such Florence's Uffizi Galleries that house some of the world's most famous artworks could be better managed with AI, with tourists able to buy their tickets when they book their travel, even months in advance, to prevent surges. She pushed back against the idea that Italy — which like all of its Southern European neighbors, welcomed more international visitors in 2024 than its entire population — has a problem with too many tourists, adding that most visits are within just 4% of the country's territory. 'It's a phenomenon that can absolutely be managed,' Santanchè told The Associated Press in an interview in her office on Friday. "Tourism must be an opportunity, not a threat — even for local communities. That's why we are focusing on organizing flows.' Where overtourism is most intense Countries on the Mediterranean are at the forefront. Olympics-host France, the biggest international destination, last year received 100 million international visitors, while second-place Spain received almost 94 million — nearly double its own population. Protests have erupted across Spain over the past two years. In Barcelona, the water gun has become a symbol of the city's anti-tourism movement after marching protests have spritzed unsuspecting tourists while carrying signs saying: 'One more tourist, one less resident!' The pressure on infrastructure has been particularly acute on Spain's Canary and Balearic Islands, which have a combined population of less than 5 million people. Each archipelago saw upwards of 15 million visitors last year. Elsewhere in Europe, tourism overcrowding has vexed Italy's most popular sites including Venice, Rome, Capri and Verona, where Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' was set. On the popular Amalfi Coast, ride-hailing app Uber offers private helicopter and boat rides in the summer to beat the crowds. Greece, which saw nearly four times as many tourists as its own population last year, has struggled with the strain on water, housing and energy in the summer months, especially on popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and others. The impact of overtourism In Spain, anti-tourism activists, academics, and the government say that overtourism is driving up housing costs in city centers and other popular locations due to the proliferation of short-term rentals that cater to visitors. Others bemoan changes to the very character of city neighborhoods that drew tourists in the first place. In Barcelona and elsewhere, activists and academics have said that neighborhoods popular with tourists have seen local shops replaced with souvenir vendors, international chains and trendy eateries. On some of Greece's most-visited islands, tourism has overlapped with water scarcity as drought grips the Mediterranean country of 10.4 million. In France, the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, shut down this week when its staff went on strike warning that the facility was crumbling beneath the weight of overtourism, stranding thousands of ticketed visitors lined up under the baking sun. Angelos Varvarousis, a Barcelona- and Athens-based academic and urban planner who studies the industry, said overtourism risks imposing a 'monoculture' on many of Europe's hotspots. 'It is combined with the gradual loss and displacement of other social and economic activities,' Varvarousis said. What authorities are doing to cope Spain's government wants to tackle what officials call the country's biggest governance challenge: its housing crunch. Last month, Spain's government ordered Airbnb to take down almost 66,000 properties it said had violated local rules — while Barcelona announced a plan last year to phase out all of the 10,000 apartments licensed in the city as short-term rentals by 2028. Officials said the measure was to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents. Elsewhere, authorities have tried to regulate tourist flows by cracking down on overnight stays or imposing fees for those visiting via cruises. In Greece, starting July 1, a cruise tax will be levied on island visitors at 20 euros ($23) for popular destinations like Mykonos and 5 euros ($5.70) for less-visited islands like Samos. The government has also encouraged visitors to seek quieter locations. To alleviate water problems, water tankers from mainland Greece have helped parched islands, and the islands have also used desalination technology, which separates salts from ocean water to make it drinkable, to boost their drinking water. Other measures have included staggered visiting hours at the Acropolis. Meanwhile, Venice brought back an entry fee this year that was piloted last year on day-trippers who will have to pay between 5 and 10 euros (roughly $6 to $12) to enter the city during the peak season. ___ AP journalists Laurie Kellman in London, Derek Gatopoulos in Athens and David Biller in Rome contributed.