Spain now WANTS Britons - despite wave of anti-tourist protests

The posters have been plastered in high-traffic areas after a new survey of Spanish residents, conducted by On the Beach, found that, despite recent tourism protests, British tourists are in fact welcome and needed in the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.

The new versions featuring Kitchener in a bucket hat and the words: "Tourists, Spain wants you" are visible outside major airports in Spain and the Canary Islands and on adverts in Britain.

The infamous "remain" posters that were created for the Brexit Referendum have also been readapted, now reading: "Tourists can remain in Spain".

The research, conducted by Censuswide, takes in a sample of 1,001 Spanish consumers with a minimum of 250 who live in the Canary Islands.

The Spanish study has revealed that more than three-quarters (77 per cent) have no problem with tourists visiting hotels in the Canary Islands and Spain.

In fact, despite the widespread protests, only seven per cent opposed tourists staying in hotels.

Further findings reveal that more than two-thirds (69 per cent) say tourists are welcome in their community, and 85 per cent agree that the Spanish economy needs tourism.

The poster has been used to help Spanish businesses and locals "recruit" tourists, after recent protests turned Britons to find holiday destinations.

The posters, featuring Lord Kitchener, pointing at the viewer, remains immediately recognisable more than 100 years after its design.

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said: "The message from Spain is loud and clear, Spain needs tourists, Spain wants tourists.

"Those taking part in the tourism protests are in the minority, and our posters are there to show Brits they’re not just welcome, they’re vital to the communities and businesses that rely on tourism."

She added: "The frustration we’ve seen on the streets isn’t directed at holidaymakers, it’s directed at Government policies around housing and short-term rentals.

"We’ve heard that locals are struggling with rising rents and a lack of affordable homes, and they want their government to take action on housing.

"Tourism is not the enemy and communities across Spain and the Canary Islands want to welcome Brits with open arms. That’s why we’re standing with local businesses and residents to remind holidaymakers: Spain needs you, Spain wants you."

According to the study, almost half (45 per cent) believe local businesses, hotels, bars, and shops have suffered as a result of the protests.

It also reveals that almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of Spain’s residents are opposed to short-term rentals such as Airbnb, which is the root cause of protests spreading across Spain as locals struggle to afford rising rents and housing costs, and a lack of social housing.

Partly due to the protests, Turkey has recently overtaken the Canaries as the top holiday destination amongst Britons.

Some Spanish regions have introduced or proposed new tourist taxes, with some locals supporting them to deter tourism during peak seasons.

The campaign comes as the winter season approaches.