Brits start 'snubbing' Spain and head to sizzling 38C tourist hotspot instead

Brits are reportedly falling out of love with Spain, as travel firms report a huge boom in summer holidays to a stunning rival destination.

Over recent years, anti-tourist sentiment has spread like wildfire across Spain and its cluster of Instagram-worthy islands. Fed-up locals, who argue the sheer influx of holidaymakers is pricing them out of the property market, have taken to the streets en masse in a series of confrontational protests.

Armed with banners demanding Brits 'go home', some activists have even encouraged the use of water pistols to make it clear that tourists are not welcome. This, combined with graffiti starkly declaring it's 'tourist hunting season' has soured Brits' penchant for the constantly sunny country.

However, it appears Egypt is reaping the benefits of Spain's escalating anti-tourist cries. According to the Independent, travel firm TUI recently revealed that bookings from flight-only and package holiday customers for summer breaks in the country are a whopping 30 per cent higher compared to last year. Similarly, Booking.com reported a 64 per cent surge in the number of searches for summer breaks in Egypt during the first five months of this year, compared to the same period in 2024.

Chris Logan, of TUI UK, hailed Egypt for its 'fantastic value for money', adding: "There's good quality accommodation and great weather beyond the traditional summer season. Even in the winter months temperatures are mild, making [Egypt] a perfect choice for year-round travel."

Hotspots like Sharm El Sheikh are a great alternative to Spain, and reach a whopping 38C in the summer months. Situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is famous for its 35km of pristine coastline, where 'apricot-coloured sand slowly sinks in the bath-warm waters of the Red Sea'.

With more than 250 coral reefs, and a range of wildlife including sea turtles and sting rays, it is a huge hotspot for divers and nature lovers alike. "This region of Egypt stocks everything from dune-filled deserts to towering mountain ranges that peak at well over 2,000 metres tall – perfect for 4x4 safari fan," TUI said.

"The city itself, meanwhile, boasts a coastal plot, meaning that soft belts of sand and paddle-friendly waters are at your fingertips. And, if shopping's on your to-do list, the lively centre lines up heaps of top-brand boutiques and bustling bazaars."

You can fly directly to Sharm El Sheikh from a slew of major UK airports, including Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Liverpool. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £362 in July.

Flights, which take on average five hours and 15 minutes, are much cheaper in the winter months - when temperatures still hover around 24C. In January 2026, you can get return flights for a bargain £133.

Sharm El Sheikh is known for its huge all-inclusive resorts that are ideal for fly-and-flop holidaymakers - but can be pretty expensive. For example, a week's stay (Monday, July 21-28) at the five-star Cleopatra Luxury Resort will set you back £1,103. This is based on two people sharing a Superior Room with Pool View, and includes all of your meals and drinks.

"Private beach and a diving centre await guests at this 5-star hotel," Booking.com states. "The resort also boasts a large infinity pool, along with 10 food and beverage venues. The elegantly decorated rooms at Cleopatra Luxury Resort come with flat-screen TVs and satellite channels. Each air-conditioned room features a minibar."

However, if you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, check out Delta Sharm Resort. This complex is offering a no-thrills, one-bedroom apartment for just £133 on the exact same dates.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

Has anti-tourist sentiment in Spain put you off from visiting? Email [email protected] for a chance to share your story.