British travellers are leaving the Spanish destinations to go to the African destinations in large numbers, triggering a global shake-up in the travel sector. Spain has long been the best option for people in the UK, with millions of people visiting Spain yearly! Yet emerging trends in the number of tourists and in the patterns of bookings are fast making Africa the new favourite.
The transition will mark a turning point in Spain’s tourism sector, which has been greatly supported by tourists from the United Kingdom. According to the travel operators, the British holidaymakers are turning away in droves towards Spanish resorts and more Moroccan, Egyptian, Tunisian and other hot African destinations.
Why Spain Is Losing Its Favour?
One of the most common factors that is making British holidaymakers look elsewhere is the fact that prices are rising. Prices of hotels, restaurants and entertainment have risen relatively high in Spain, and this has worked downwards on the traditional resorts, making them less suitable to families and groups.
This has been coupled with overtourism. Overcrowded beaches, overcrowded streets and reports of frictions between locals and visitors have damaged the image of Spain as a free-and-easy tourist destination. In Germany, overcrowding is a common complaint in major cities, such as Barcelona, and coastal cities like Benidorm.
Travellers are wary of repeating the experience in Spain because many now feel that it does not offer the value or carefree experience that it once did.
Tourist Boom in 2012-2013 in Africa
This is opposed to the African destinations where British travellers are streaming in. A new favourite port of call is Morocco in Marrakech, Egypt in Sharm El-Sheikh and Northern Tunisia in its coastal resorts. Travellers are tempted by cheap prices, guaranteed sun and an expanding source of high-end resorts.
East Africa is not an exception, as it is also a hotspot. Kenya and Tanzania Safaris, as well as the relaxing resorts of Zanzibar and Mauritius, are fast becoming part and parcel of the standard UK tourist travel brochures. Not only are these destinations cheaper than Spain at the height of the summer, but they also offer more adventurous experiences and unique attractions.
Airlines have been one of the major players in this trend. African cities are highly accessible through direct flights to the UK, which means tourists can access them within a short time and at a favourable cost.
Changing Travel Demands
Experts say it was through the pandemic that British travellers have had their minds changed about what they want out of holidays. Most people are now willing to travel to destinations with fewer people and with something interesting about their culture or nature. Africa’s diversity, featuring a range of deserts, ancient cities, wildlife, and unspoiled beaches, can meet the demand.
Africa, unlike Spain, which can be termed as a mass tourism country, is selling itself as a destination of diversity and authenticity. This is a revelation that British tourists are resonating with as they seek something new.
Economic Impact Across Continents
Already, the benefit is being felt in African economies. Hotel and resort occupancy rates in Morocco, Egypt and throughout the rest of the continent are quite high and local tour operators are also expanding their services to keep up with growing demand. Governments are investing in tourism infrastructure to ensure the boom continues.
To Spain, the reduction of British arrivals is a major threat. The UK is the largest market it has ever had, and many Spanish businesses depend on such revenue. As the trend persists, Spain might have to reconsider the tourism model, adopting a sustainable, affordable and new attraction focus to regain the attention of tourists.
A New Era of British Tourism
The increased tourism to Africa in preference to Spain depicts a paradigm trend in the travel industry globally. British tourists are becoming more adventurous and widespread, ready to travel outside of Europe, and to destinations that are less expected.
Africa is gaining popularity among UK travellers to the continent due to its state of affordability, variety and authenticity. The much-needed influx of tourists into Spain is no longer necessary, as the British continue to flock to African beaches, deserts, and safaris.