Spain is feeling the pinch of a drop in tourists
Friday, August 7, 2009 @ 2:21 PM
Spain is feeling the pinch of a drop in visitors, especially from Britain, its main source of tourists, as the recession leads northern European sunseekers to take their holidays at home this year or choose cheaper beach destinations like Egypt or Turkey.
The drop in the pound to near parity with the euro has fueled the decline in the number of British tourists, who account for one-quarter of all visitors to Spain, as it has made spending a few days in the sun at Mediterranean resorts like Torremolinos, Benidorm and Ibiza more expensive.
Usually during the height of the summer tourist season the main beach at Torremolinos on Spain's Costa del Sol (Milan: SOL.MI - news) is packed with sunseekers.
But despite the clear skies and soaring temperatures, row after row of sun beds this year lie empty.
Above the beach, business at the bars, restaurants and stores selling bright red souvenir flamenco dresses and Real Madrid jerseys that line the boardwalk is slow with many outdoor patios deserted. Some shops are closed for repairs.
"This is the worst I have ever seen it. There is no one on the beach," said Pedro Hervas who has sold freshly squeezed orange juice from a stand in the shape of a large orange installed on the boardwalk for the past two decades.
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