if the Spanish don't want us,don't go there

Yes. I think the tourist tax will be going ahead. Maybe complicated to set up how the hotels etc can pass it on to the council. Tourism chiefs were saying it should be spent on tourism but we're screaming for it to be spent on our infrastructure: roads, cleansing, buses, social care etc etc rather than a bunch of holidaymakers on a binge.

Aveline

Yes. I think the tourist tax will be going ahead. Maybe complicated to set up how the hotels etc can pass it on to the council. Tourism chiefs were saying it should be spent on tourism but we're screaming for it to be spent on our infrastructure: roads, cleansing, buses, social care etc etc rather than a bunch of holidaymakers on a binge.

There are restrictions as to how it is raised and how it can be spent
"The levy must be a percentage of the cost of an overnight stay in some types of overnight accommodation
Before a levy can be introduced, the local authority must consult with local communities, businesses and tourist organisations
Revenue generated by the levy must be used to develop, support or sustain local facilities and services substantially used by business and leisure visitors."
All the information is readily available online.

We heard about this protest in Barcelona. We have a trip planned for the beginning of September. My DH was a bit worried, but I think we will be ok. It seems you can't go to any large city without some sort of protest or march going on.

I do understand the dilemma that tourism brings, it is indeed a double edged sword. We have also learned over the years not to stop at cafes right in very popular spots. They are usually overpriced and busy, so we will view the sights, then go a few blocks away to a quieter cafe for a break.

I know OldFrill. That's the theory. The practice is a bit further on I was hearing from those involved. Fingers crossed.

It's not only Spanish towns and villages that are being killed by the tourist trade. It has happened to English villages by the sea as well. Perhas fortunately for the western Highlands the Scottish midge will guard the lovely places against tourists and owners of second homes especially the homes let by the week or month.

The time has come for tourist accommodation to be taxed to the extent that there is a sustainable balance between tnumbers of ourists and numbers of local people.

Over tourism is a massive global problem.

Fresh water and accommodation are limited resources that local people need.

Sharing those limited resources with culturally insensitive tourists has become increasingly unappealing after lockdowns reminded local people why they like their own countries without the hoards of energy, water, and space hungry tourists.

Japan and Bali join Venice and Barcelona in the news about over tourism.

I like the idea of banning shorter lets like air bnb and having stricter tourist visas and tourist prices to limit numbers of locust like tourists, and promote and fund sustainable development of the tourism sector.

Bali seems to love tourists. More pockets to pick. That was the unfortunate experience 3 members of my family had recently. Have to admire the skill, really, really efficient and totally undetectable.

We went to Bali and had no problem at all, friends and daughter have also been. No problems for them either.
We had a lovely time, and found the people friendly and helpful.
Pickpocketing is everywhere nanna, apparently Barcelona is one such place to be careful in . No doubt there are even pickpocketers in Australia too.
It’s upsetting and your relatives were just unlucky. There is a lot of poverty in Bali. Not an excuse but it happens everywhere.

Reverse for us - we loved Barcelona and no problems at all. We like the inland part of Bali ,Ubud etc but the coastal areas not so much. Too many tourists !! I prefer Thailand.

Do many tourists stop and think of the poverty gap between the “charming” inhabitants or “characters” in their Indian or Greek village or Mediterranean resort and the tourists who flood in, cameras at the ready, conspicuous spending and possibly lack of empathy with people who may well not speak fluent American or English or German or whatever?
I’m not excusing anybody or even blaming the tourists (except the tour companies or the owners of cruise ships the size of an office block) but faced with the economic disparity the local inhabitants have to make what they can - hopefully legally but there will always be others.
All I’m saying really, is be sensitive to local customs and needs, learn a few phrases to at least be able to say please and thank you, don’t flash the cash or ignore local requirements of dress or behaviour.
Look at the Horseguards thread to see how bad behaviour by tourists can turn sour - there are countries where you would not even attempt a selfie with armed guards!

Too many tourists! ! I think the majority of the tourists in Bali are probably Australian.
Expect there are plenty of tourists in Thailand. Fact is there are too many tourists everywhere. One half of the world is wealthy and can travel to the other half which isn’t, though do benefit from tourism, except where there are those huge all inclusive hotels where they benefit much less. .

They are Australian- that’s why we don’t like ‘em, we know what they’re like! Westies haha

The Spanish really don't help themselves

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c729r8py9yeo

Irrelevant-and unnecessarily anti Spanish?

For those who might be in the Almensilla (Seville) and in Benalup-Casas Viejas and Vejer de la Frontera (Cadiz). The West Nile virus has been detected in the region,just keep safe every one.