Brits on stag dos back off Barcelona after anti-tourist protests

BARCELONA – Anti-tourism protests have put off Britons from going on stag or hen night trips to Tenerife and Barcelona, two specialised tour operators said.

Many people have switched to Benidorm, other destinations in the UK or other parts of Europe, the British companies said.

Demonstrations were held in Tenerife and Barcelona last year by residents who claimed that tourism was depleting local resources and pushing up housing prices beyond the reach of locals.

Tourists were drenched by protesters using water pistols at a demonstration in Barcelona in July.

More protests are expected next month in Mallorca.

Rob Hill, chief executive of The Stag Company, which sent about 24,000 people on trips across Europe last year, said bookings for Tenerife fell 51 per cent last year compared with 2023 and dropped by 43 per cent for Barcelona.

“While Spain has long been a favourite for stag parties, we are seeing an increasing number of groups choosing UK destinations and alternative European cities that continue to welcome visitors with open arms,” he said.

“Cities like Liverpool, Newcastle, Prague and Budapest are thriving, offering the same wild nightlife and activities without the concerns of anti-tourism sentiment.”

He said bookings for Brussels were up 104 per cent and by 88 per cent for Cologne.

Matt Mavir, managing director of Last Night of Freedom, a company that deals in stag and hen trips in the UK and around the world, said tourist protests had hit bookings.

“The protests have been the main reason for the drop in stag and hen trips to Barcelona and Tenerife. By contrast, Benidorm, with a much more welcoming attitude, has seen no decrease at all in 2025,” he said.

“I understand the frustration of excess tourism. I only hope that an excessively unfriendly attitude doesn’t overshoot its intentions and kill tourism in those locations completely. That would be a huge shame for everyone, especially local business owners.”

Mr Mavir said the company had recently dropped Las Vegas as a destination because of what he called the “Trump effect”, which he said had made the US an undesirable destination for hens and stags.

The company, which is based in Newcastle, has organised trips for 45,000 people.

Tourist operators reported a 10 per cent rise in bookings by Britons to Spain in the first two months of 2025.

Many were heading to resorts away from the costas, on walking trips or biking holidays.

Patrick Millar, head of marketing at Kirker Holidays, which deals in city breaks, said: “In the first two months of 2025, Kirker’s bookings are up by more than 10 per cent compared to last year, with a surge in demand for cultural cities and smaller destinations off the more well-trodden tourist trail.”

Madrid has seen the highest rise in bookings – 66 per cent – followed by Bilbao.

Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, said: “Spain is proud to be the number one destination choice for British holidaymakers and remains committed to offering an exceptional holiday experience while ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and communities alike.”