Spain charts path to manageable tourism A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


I was preparing over the weekend to moderate a round-table discussion at the Spanish Embassy this week about destinations developing more-sustainable business models. Mayors from eight of the country’s most popular coastal tourist destinations were due to be in attendance, alongside Tui and Jet2holidays chiefs, addressing issues including overtourism, anti-tourism demonstrations, the diversification of tourism experiences and extension of seasons. Their aim is to ensure sustainable tourism futures for themselves, while


affirming their commitment to welcoming British visitors – who could be forgiven for thinking they are not wanted from extensive recent national news coverage of protests.


This event, focused on what is still the top destination for UK consumers, is timely as we head


towards the peak summer period – and a later booking market than in previous years. It also comes just a week after the tourist board’s Spain Talks event where Palma de Mallorca


and Barcelona admitted they had reached capacity and would no longer be marketing themselves to avoid attracting any more visitors (page 46). At that event, Sunvil boss Noel Josephides insisted it has to be the responsibility of destinations to control numbers and potential overtourism, so it’s great to see the mayors coming together with UK operators to chart a way forward. As Spain says, “It’s critical how we respond”, insisting the vast majority of the country is welcoming tourists and noting that concerns are not unique to Spain. I look forward to hearing all about the initiatives already launched or being planned to ensure Spain retains its top spot.


a Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS


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COVER photo


From left: Paul Hardwick, Fred Olsen Travel; Dave Mills, Iglu.com; Natalya Leahy and Danielle Bates, both Lindblad


Expeditions; James Cole, Panache Cruises; and Edwina Lonsdale, Mundy Cruising page 8


Photo: Alex Maguire


Vertical Travel Group Conference, Crete 10 comment


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NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Tui, Just Go Holidays, Jet2Weddings 13 Travelsphere, Exodus Adventure Travels 15 P&O Cruises, Saga, Crystal, Tauck


FRONTLINE agent diary


Jennifer Lynch: Power outage issues 20 Your Stories Nicki Harrison on launch of second fantasy novel 22


FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Shutterstock/HeadSpinPhoto, TTStudio, Sorapop Udomsri, Joshua Sukoff; RGS-IBG; Steve Dunlop


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Barrhead, Tipto, Hays Travel, Classic 24 competitions


Trips to Disney World, Corfu, Antigua 26


DESTINATIONS Spain & Portugal Azores: Discover dormant craters, dolphins, whales, wine and more in Portugal’s Atlantic island chain


WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


OSpent the day on P&O Cruises’ Britannia for filming ahead of the Clia Conference later this month.


OStarted sorting through the hundreds of entries we’ve received for this year’s Agent Achievement Awards in July.


OHad a great night out for one of my girlfriend’s 50th birthdays – and booked a mini-break to Lisbon for the four of us in July to continue celebrating.


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Rail: Five journeys by train in Spain 35 mature travel


History Tours: Three experts highlight the thrill of stepping back in time on historical escorted tours 36


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Cruise: Longer ex-UK sailings to suggest to clients with time on their hands


BUSINESS NEWS Spain Talks 2025: ›’Limits on tourism are beneficial’


travelweeklyuk 39


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Comment: Digital Act is ‘watershed’ 47 Suppliers report transatlantic sales dip 48


@travelweeklyuk 8 MAY 2025 3


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