by A stunning Spanish medieval town with golden sands and ancient history is “struggling to cope” after being inundated with a massive influx of 13,000 cruise ship tourists in one day.
Cadiz, an ancient port city in the Andalusia region often hailed as a “hidden gem,” was thrown into chaos when an unprecedented number of 13,000 tourists descended on the area from three massive cruise ships.
Located on the south-west coast of Spain, Cadiz boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture and miles of pristine beaches. The city’s historical significance, coupled with its vibrant local atmosphere, makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking an authentic Spanish experience.
Recently, Cadiz has become a popular tourist destination, with holidaymakers flocking to enjoy its beautiful Blue Flag beach and historic old town, full of quaint restaurants serving fresh produce.
Cádiz’s city center, with its cobbled streets, old churches and squares, grew by 50 percent as hordes of tourists invaded this otherwise pristine place.
The three cruise ships that paralyzed the city were Aida Stella, Norwegian Viva and MSC Virtuosa, which had a total of 12,743 passengers on board.
According to local media reports, a fourth ship, the Queen Anne, had also planned a visit for the same day but canceled at the last minute.
And now protesters from local campaign group Cádiz Resiste claim the sheer number of visitors is destroying the city. The group’s mission is to “win back Cádiz for the people”.
After a meeting attended by 2,000 angry residents, Resiste issued a statement saying: “They (the tourists) are stealing our city, our neighbourhoods and businesses, even the possibility of building a life in Cadiz.”
According to SurEnglish, provincial authorities in Andalusia say that on average a cruise passenger spends around €40 (£34.41) per day in each port they visit, but this can rise to €200 (£172) if they stay in one place for several days.
More cruise ships are expected to dock in Cádiz in September as the city tries to balance tourism with preserving its cultural heritage and local life.
Compared to 18 cruise ships in July, about 34 ships are expected to dock in September, more than the 23 planned for August.
In an effort to address environmental issues, MSC Euribia made history earlier this year when it became the first cruise ship to dock in Cadiz using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel.
