Jet2 boss says British tourists ‘abandoning’ Spain for 3 cheaper countries | Africa | Travel

For decades, the sun-drenched plazas and golden coasts of Spain have served as the unofficial second home for millions of British holidaymakers. However, an unfavourable combination of anti-tourism protests, spiralling hotel costs and new tourist taxes is seemingly forcing families to rethink their summer plans, with many now turning their backs on the traditional Spanish getaway in favour of more welcoming – and affordable – alternatives.

According to the CEO of the popular UK airline, Jet2, UK residents are steadily flocking to three cheaper destinations instead, all just a short trip across the Mediterranean. The shift comes as residents in hotspots like Tenerife, Majorca and Barcelona have taken to the streets in recent years to vent their fury over mass tourism, with some demonstrations even seeing tourists targeted with water pistols and “tourists go home” banners.

“North Africa is performing well,” Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy has revealed, “with Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt standing out”.

“Greece is maintaining a good level, and Portugal is doing well. However, we observe that certain areas of Spain are not achieving the expected performance,” he told Hosteltur.

Morocco is the go-to for Brits who want to swap the Costa del Sol for something more sincere. Having welcomed a record-breaking million Brits in 2024, most people head straight for the chaos of Marrakech or the beach resorts in Agadir, but there is far more to the country than just these well-known hotspots. If you want to escape the crowds, Tafraoute in the Anti-Atlas mountains is a standout, with its rugged, red-rock town surrounded by almond trees that feels a world away from southern Europe’s tourist traps. For a coastal vibe that’s cheaper than Spain, Essaouira offers a laid-back medina and great seafood.

Meanwhile, Rabat, the “City of Lights” and Morocco’s administrative capital, beautifully blends its ancient historical heritage – including its towering Hassan Tower – with modern, tree-lined boulevards and a peaceful seaside atmosphere.

Tunisia is arguably the best value-for-money destination in North Africa right now. Beyond the all-inclusive hotels in Hammamet, there is a massive amount of history that is surprisingly easy to reach. Sidi Bou Said is the famous spot – all white walls and blue shutters overlooking the Mediterranean – but for something different, head to the island of Djerba.

Located in the Gulf of Gabes and boasting 78 miles of sandy, palm-lined beaches, Djerba is also home to Houmt Souk, where you can find ancient mosques and a unique Jewish heritage site called El Ghriba. It’s much quieter than the mainland resorts and offers a slower pace of life that’s perfect for a cheap, sunny getaway.

Finally, while the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings are the big hitters, Egypt’s coastlines are where the real value lies. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are the main hubs, but if you want to avoid the massive hotel complexes, Dahab is the perfect hidden alternative. This bohemian town on the Red Sea is popular with divers and backpackers, offering a far more relaxed atmosphere than the big resorts. If you’re willing to travel further, the Siwa Oasis is a total curveball – a remote desert outpost with freshwater springs and mud-brick ruins that feels like a different planet entirely.