Jet2 boss issues Spain holiday price warning as tourism protests threaten higher taxes

Jet2's chief has sounded the alarm over potential hikes in tourist taxes due to persistent protests. Steve Heapy, CEO of , voiced concerns that tourist taxes might increase as a result of long-standing overtourism demonstrations in , which threaten to cause disruptions in prime holiday spots this summer.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion at the Spanish embassy in London, he admitted his opposition to such but conceded that increases might become "irresistible."

"It worries me greatly that it will constantly creep up in response to protests," he remarked.

However, some attendees supported the tax, including Salou's mayor Pere Granados, who championed the €1 per person, per day charge currently in place. Mayor Granados stated: "The tourists pay tax in the same way as the residents pay taxes. If I come to London, I generate waste."

Meanwhile, Benidorm's mayor Antonio Perez called for moderation in tourist contributions. "I'm against a tourist tax because it's stigmatising the visitors as the ones who are preventing me from having a better city or better services. We need to be the best place to live," he argued.

Despite these debates, Spain's allure remains strong, with last year witnessing a staggering 94 million international tourists visiting its mainland and islands, reports .

Demonstrations have been ongoing in recent months, with one shocking sign threatening to 'Kill a Tourist' appearing in Tenerife. There are also reports of anonymous locals setting fire to hire cars, often used by holidaymakers to explore the island, to send a clear message.

In March, protesters took to the streets of Spain's second city, targeting a sightseeing bus in Barcelona, which they blocked and sprayed with water. The organisers of many of the anti-tourism protests held in 2024 in Mallorca initiated a protest in the Northern Spanish city.

Catalan Police were summoned when the campaigners obstructed a bus filled with tourists near the renowned Sagrada Familia.

Members of Mes turisme, Menys vida (More Tourism, Less Life) initiated the action after conducting an international press conference. After halting the bus for several minutes, the protesters soaked it with water pistols.

According to OK Diario, police dispersed some of the activists and arrested others.

This tourism-phobic group from Mallorca executed several pressure actions against tourists last year, both in Palma and on iconic beaches like Calo des Moro, as well as two demonstrations with thousands of people protesting against tourism in the streets of the Balearic capital.