Holidaymakers arriving in Spain could be asked for proof that they have at least £85 to spend on each day they are in the country, under new rules and restrictions introduced by the holiday hotspot.
Spanish boarder control may also ask to see your return ticket and proof of your accommodation before they allow you to start your holiday, according to the UK Foreign Office.
But new research has shown that the average UK traveller only spent £75.74 per day - and 18-24-year-olds fell way short of the limit, at only £40.29 each, based on data by financial app Revolut, which analysed the amount its customers got through on last year's holiday in Spain.
Adam Gagen, global head of Government affairs and public policy at Revolut, said that the new guidelines could affect young tourists the most, according to their data. The average 18-24 year old UK Revolut user who spent money in Spain during the 2021 summer holidays spent £282.01, which averages to £40.29 per day for a seven-day trip. In contrast, the highest spenders were the 45-54-year-olds, who got through £837.18, which averages to £119.60 per day for a seven-day trip.
Read more: How much alcohol and tobacco you can bring into UK from EU duty-free
Before the new regulations started, Spain was still the most popular country for Gen Z to travel to, and Revolut said the number of its 18-24-year-old UK customers spending money abroad has already quadrupled since before the pandemic, suggesting they are keen to travel after a turbulent couple of years.
According to Mr Gagen, there remains very robust demand from young people to finally get abroad and spend in Euros - which should help boost the EU tourism sector, most notably in Spain. “While clearly travel disruption and inflationary pressure is making holidaying this summer more painful for all, Gen Z are not being deterred and appear to be finding smart ways to get their money to go further by heading out to Euro-using countries as its value has fallen over the last few weeks.
“After a turbulent past two years, it’s Generation Z who perhaps particularly feel like they have missed out on enjoying their youth. Due to lessening Covid travel restrictions, the rise of travel influencers on social media, and ever better exchange rates, it makes sense that young people want to prioritise adventure and new experiences.”
The average British 18-24-year-old holidaymaker spent 18% more on hotels this June as compared to June 2019, 24% more on car rentals, four per cent more on tourist attractions, and 16% more on bars, cafes, and restaurants. The data suggests many are making the most of their holidays by purchasing fashion abroad, as the average transaction at clothing stores is up 31%. However, spending on airline tickets and taxis has actually gone down by one per cent since pre-pandemic levels.
British tourism in Spain is still 39% lower than 2019 but the last quarter saw 1.76 million British tourists, versus 57,400 the previous year.
Travel operators and punters are not happy with the stringent new rules - arguing that the UK significantly contributed to the Spanish tourism sector, according to the Daily Express,
The full breakdown of spending by Revolut customers is as follows:
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