Spain’s actions against Gibraltar threaten tourism on the Costa del Sol according to a recent opinion piece by José Luis Yagüe in the Sur newspaper.

According to Snr. Yagüe, the threats made by Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel García Margallo, have created serious concerns amongst businesses that depend on the tourist trade up the coast.

Those representing the tourism sector in Spain also argue that Gibraltar represents a source of investment and a tourist product that complements that offered by the Costa del Sol. The fact that Gibraltar’s airport serves as a direct link with the UK means that the Rock is a transport hub for many holidaymarkers who then choose to stay (and spend) in Spain.

Industry representatives have expressed their dismay that, instead of taking advantage of this and working together, Spain is undermining the opportunities for growth and recovery that a stable relationship with the Rock can provide. In addition, they say that the Spanish government’s decisions might delay the much-awaited recovery within the tourism industry which was meant to be driven by visitors from the UK.

Snr. Yagüe also says that the campaign against Gibraltar is “pointless” and is only designed to defend the interests of one fisherman, the skipper of the “Divina Providencia”.

He argues that Snr. Margallo’s approach creates an atmosphere of insecurity which risks discouraging investors and that, as always in these situations, it is La Linea that bears the consequences of Madrid’s actions.