Barajas Airport crisis: Homeless camps and bedbug infestations jeopardize Spain's tourism image
Barajas Airport in Madrid, one of Spain's most important transport hubs, is facing serious problems that could harm the country’s image. Hundreds of homeless people camping in Terminal 4 and the presence of bedbugs are concerns for both regional authorities and the media.
The Spanish press regularly reports about approximately 500 homeless people staying in Terminal 4 of Barajas Airport. Additionally, the airport operator AENA has confirmed the presence of bedbugs in parts of the terminal, prompting the hiring of a pest control company.
"This disgraceful news has spread worldwide and further tarnished our precious tourism image," commented the "ABC" newspaper.
Reactions from authorities and residents
Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, expressed concern that the airport’s situation could affect the perception of Spain among foreign tourists. Similar concerns were voiced by Laura Martínez Cerro, responsible for tourism in the region.
Residents of Madrid are also troubled by images that the whole world can see on the internet. They openly comment on social media: "It is disgraceful for us."
Ayuso called on the central government to take action, emphasising that among the homeless might be asylum seekers. However, the government denies this, stating that the issue of the homeless is under the jurisdiction of regional authorities.
The significance of tourism for Spain
In 2024, Spain was visited by a record number of 94 million foreign tourists. The tourism sector is crucial for the country’s economy, accounting for over 12 per cent of GDP and employing more than 2.5 million people. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the tourism share in Spain’s GDP could rise to 17 per cent by 2034.
Spain has surpassed France in terms of tourism revenue, reaching approximately €126 billion. The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, Héctor Gómez, emphasises that the country focuses on high-quality services, which attracts more and more tourists.
Popular destinations
The most tourists visit the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Madrid, and Valencia. Polish tourists also frequently choose Spain as a travel destination, confirmed by a 35 per cent increase in the number of tourists from Poland compared to the previous year.
