Spain's FINANCIAL SUICIDE: Spanish economy faces collapse without £13BN Brit holiday cash

Holidaymakers in Barcelona, Majorca, Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza have been subjected to abuse and even attacks as fed-up locals accuse tourists of spoiling their neighbourhoods and driving up rental prices. 

Derogatory graffiti has also appeared branding tourists “terrorists” and demanding travellers “go home”. 

A new survey of residents in the Balaeric Islands showed two thirds of of people polled believed the number of British tourists should be capped, and backed the decision to double next year’s tourist tax. 

But should the anti-tourist protestors get their wish, it could have catastrophic consequences for the Spanish economy, of which tourism makes up about 12 per cent. 

Alexander Goransson, lead analyst and tourism specialist at Euromonitor, told The Sun: “Tourism expenditure to Spain stood at 55billion euros (£50billion) in 2016.

“Some 14billion euros (£12.7billion) of that came from the UK – that’s 26 per cent.

“So we are actually the biggest contributor to the Spanish tourist economy.”

Some regular holidaymakers to Majorca have already suggested they will not be returning to the Balearics in 2018 because of the backlash against them. 

One told the Majorca Daily Bulletin: “Well I have done what the demonstrators want. 

“I have just cancelled my two holidays to Majorca for next year. I really feel sorry for the people who want us tourists to visit and spend our money.

“I for one shall not return in the future. The last thing I need on holiday is to feel like an intruder and an unwanted person. 

“Me and my money will be welcomed somewhere else. Bye Bye Majorca.”

Another said: “I have been a regular visitor to Mallorca since the 1960s and I can understand the frustrations of a small island, with many tourists than there used to be but I am afraid you cannot have your cake and eat it. 

“It was the Spanish that opened up Mallorca in the first place, catering for package holidays, and building a huge airport to handle it. 

“Maybe it is time to say adios Mallorca, And thanks for the memories.”