Madrid’s president Isabel Diaz Ayuso has called for the city’s restaurants to open their doors earlier in a bid to charm British tourists, despite ongoing protests across Europe against overtourism.
In Spain, dining establishments typically start serving much later than in the UK, often leaving British visitors at a loss for places to eat while waiting for local spots to welcome diners.
Ayuso is pushing for a change in business hours, suggesting that opening slightly earlier could entice more visitors to the region.
Speaking to the Times, she said: “We want to attract tourists by being flexible, opening our establishments earlier at midday and at dinner time.”
Isabel further explained: “In the same way that happens to us Spaniards, that many times when we are abroad if we don’t watch the time, we don’t eat or have dinner because everything has already closed.”, reports the Express.
She added: “So it’s the other way round too. We understand that we have to adapt to those that visit us, to those who honour us with their visit and trust us.”
These remarks come as Europe and the Canary Islands face increasing demonstrations against the impact of tourism. The Canary Islands, in particular, have seen significant protest activity since the beginning of the year.
Just this month, a group of protesters took control of Troya Beach in Tenerife, encircling tourists on October 20 just after noon.
Despite the protesters’ calls for measures to mitigate the effects of overtourism in the region, their actions did not receive unanimous support from the locals, as reported by the Express.
One local resident was quoted saying: “What they did was a d*****d thing to do. We have to fight for quality tourism but not against those who come here. We shouldn’t f*** the tourist who is on the beach because they have paid for an offer.”
Activist Daniel Cabrera responded: “One of the reasons people went onto the beach is because it’s one of the most polluted and it’s right next to all the hotels and businesses in the area.”
“We want tourism, what we do not want is over-exploitation and garbage tourism that does not benefit the local economy. Seventy-five per cent of the money from island hotels and other businesses ends up outside of Spain and that can’t be tolerated.”