Panic in Spain as 'tourists wanted' posters put up in holiday resorts

An urgent plea has been issued in Spain calling for tourists to come back to holiday hotspots following months of anti-tourism protests. An online travel agent has put up posters in Spain and the Canary Islands calling for tourists to ignore local protesters which may cause panic among holidaymakers and continue to book up the hotspots.

The protests haven't entirely deterred Brits from visiting the Spanish mainland and its islands, but Turkey has recently overtaken the Canaries for the number one holiday destination amongst Brits. The posters have been plastered in high footfall locations after a stunning new survey of Spanish residents, conducted by On the Beach, found that, despite recent tourism protests, British tourists are in fact 'welcome and needed' in the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.

Spanish locals know tourism is vital to their economy, according to the study conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,001 Spanish consumers with a minimum of 250 who live in the Canary Islands. Almost half (45%) believe local businesses, hotels, bars and shops have suffered as a result of the protests, which is one of the reasons why On the Beach is stepping in with their new campaign.

The Spanish study has revealed that more than three quarters (77%) have no problem with tourists visiting hotels in the Canary Islands and Spain.

In fact, despite the widespread protests, only 7% are actually against tourists staying in hotels.

Further findings reveal that more than two thirds (69%) say tourists are welcomed in their community and a whopping 85% agree that the Spanish economy needs tourism.

With tourists wanted and needed in mainland Spain and the Canary islands, On the Beach has now stepped in, redesigning the most famous poster in the world, to help Spanish businesses and locals 'recruit' tourists, after recent protests turned Brits to new holiday destinations.

The posters, featuring Lord Kitchener, pointing at the viewer, remains immediately recognisable more than 100 years after its design. Now On the Beach's new versions featuring Kitchener in a bucket hat and the words: 'Tourists, Spain wants you' are visible outside major airports in Spain and the Canary Islands and on adverts in Britain too.

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said: "The message from Spain is loud and clear, Spain needs tourists, Spain wants tourists.

"Those taking part in the tourism protests are in the minority, and our posters are there to show Brits they're not just welcome, they're vital to the communities and businesses that rely on tourism."

The striking Lord Kitchener posters aren't the only ones put up in Spain by online travel agent, On the Beach. The 'remain' posters that were created for the EU Referendum have also been reused, with the bold new design now stating: 'Tourists can remain in Spain'.

She added: "The frustration we've seen on the streets isn't directed at holidaymakers, it's directed at government policies around housing and short-term rentals.

"We've heard that locals are struggling with rising rents and a lack of affordable homes, and they want their government to take action on housing.

"Tourism is not the enemy and communities across Spain and the Canary Islands want to welcome Brits with open arms. That's why we're standing with local businesses and residents to remind holidaymakers: Spain needs you, Spain wants you."