Spain News Top Story: Spanish Minister warns Boris Johnson’s victory is ‘bad news’ for tourism in Spain

THE Andalusian Minister of Tourism, Juan Marín, has stated that the victory achieved by Boris Johnson in the UK general election is ‘bad news’ for tourism in Spain.

Speaking at a press conference this morning (December 13), Marín said that not only would Mr Johnson’s triumph negatively impact the UK, but that it will also make a significant mark on the rest of Europe and Spanish regions which rely heavily on British tourism.

Marín stated that Mr Johnson will apply a “hard Brexit” and explained that several measures have already been prepared in case of such a result, one that Andalusia had feared the most. Among the agreed measures, he detailed a sum of €1.4 million which will be spent promoting the region in the UK in a move to attract tourists.

Marín added that he was optimistic that Andalusia could maintain the British market despite the UK leaving the European Union, but warned that it will make also negatively impact the agricultural sector where the UK is an important market for its prosperity.  Through this he hopes that “common sense will be applied by citizens, companies and residents.”

Just a few months ago, Rogelio Velasco, the Andalusian Minister of Economy, forecasted that a hard Brexit could cost the economy €500 million in “the best cast scenario”, but could prove to be significantly higher once the UK withdraws from the EU.