The behavior of some British tourists in tourist destinations has once again generated criticism, at a time when several areas of Spain have been discussing more intensely the effects of excessive tourism and a lack of respect for those who live in the most popular destinations.
Harry Poulton, a Brit who moved from the United Kingdom to Benidorm, in southern Spain, used TikTok to denounce an attitude that he considers unacceptable on the part of some compatriots on vacation.
The content creator, known for sharing travel tips and information about life in the Alicante region, said he felt “ashamed as a Brit” when he saw certain behaviors in the Spanish resort, according to the British newspaper.
According to Harry, living in Benidorm for a long time allowed him to watch all kinds of episodes, from people running around the Strip area practically naked to drunk tourists causing disturbances on the beach. Still, he highlighted that there are limits that should not be exceeded.
“We are in a country that is not ours”
In the video, Harry began by saying that he considered the situation “sad, disrespectful” and “embarrassing”, admitting that he would not like to have to address the issue publicly. The criticism came after he witnessed an episode involving a group of young British men, apparently drunk, returning from the Strip area.
According to the report, the group allegedly directed rude and offensive comments at two elderly Spanish women. For Harry Poulton, this type of attitude is “totally out of order” and shows a lack of consideration for those who live in the area.
“There is a line that simply should not be crossed as Brits. Because, remember, we are in a foreign country, a country that is not ours, we are guests,” he said in the video.
Direct criticism of tourists who bother residents
While recognizing that many people travel to Benidorm to have fun, Harry argued that this does not justify aggressive or disrespectful attitudes towards local residents. For the British, anyone who visits another country must remember that they are occupying a space that also belongs to those who live there all year round.
“We all want to have a good time on holiday, but there is no need to be rude and disrespectful to local residents. They don’t deserve it,” he said. Harry also added that many of these behaviors would be unlikely to be repeated in the UK, which makes the situation even more difficult to accept.
The British resident also left a broader warning, remembering that in some areas of Spain there are already protest movements against mass tourism. “You’ve seen the news. In certain parts of Spain, they don’t want us here. We’re not going to make things worse. We’re not going to bring that kind of attention to Benidorm. It’s not necessary. Leave the Spanish alone,” he said, quoted by the same source.
Reactions support the warning left by Harry
The post generated diverse reactions from British users, many of them agreeing with the criticism. One person wrote: “I completely agree with you. We go to Benidorm every year.” Another comment said: “It’s a shame when things like this happen. Very disrespectful.”
A third user added that it is precisely these behaviors that make many Spaniards have a bad image of the British. “I always say that it is this type of behavior that makes the Spanish hate us. We all end up in the same bag”, he wrote.
Another British woman, who has lived in Spain for four years, said she feels ashamed of the way some tourists from the United Kingdom behave. “The British are a disgrace here in Spain. I’ve lived in Spain for four years and I’m happy that we live in a quiet village with few tourists. The British don’t realize the reputation they are creating. Respect where they are,” he commented, according to the source cited above.
Benidorm continues to attract thousands of Brits
Benidorm has long been one of the most popular Spanish destinations with British tourists. It is estimated that between 800,000 and 900,000 Brits visit the city annually, making this group the resort’s largest international market, according to The Mirror.
Located on the Costa Blanca, the coastal city is known for its intense nightlife, bars, clubs and entertainment venues, especially in the Levante and Calle Gerona areas. This animation even earned it the nickname “Spanish Las Vegas”.
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