Feeling FOMO about Spain’s sun-soaked beaches? 🌞 Meet Benidorm, the ultimate OG of mass tourism. Fifty years after General Francisco Franco’s death, this Mediterranean hotspot still clings to the model it helped pioneer under his dictatorship—packed package holidays, bikini-clad sunbathing and sky-high hotels.
Back in the late 1950s, Spain was still socially conservative. 🇪🇸 Saving up for a beach trip meant booking a bundle deal: flight, hotel, meals and sometimes even a nap-time siesta. Benidorm’s skyline burst to life with its first skyscraper, reshaping how the world saw Spain. Instead of olive groves and castles, the postcard read “bikinis, beach bars and non-stop fun.”
“There are no car factories here, no soap factories. What we have is a factory of hotels, restaurants and businesses that make our visitors happy,” says Angela Barcelo, 72, owner of Hotel Les Dunes. Her grandmother opened it in 1957—back when Spanish women needed their husband’s permission just to open a bank account. 👩💼 Talk about girl power!
While cities like Barcelona and islands such as Bali are waving protest signs against overtourism, Benidorm keeps the party alive. Think of it as Goa in the 80s, but with towering highrises and affordable all-inclusive deals. Locals still pass down family-run hotels, cafes serve paella alongside coconut water, and the next gen is exploring digital nomad visas to keep remote work vibes flowing. 💻🌴
Love it or hate it, Benidorm’s mass tourism blueprint shows no sign of slowing down. It’s a reminder that bold ideas—whether bikinis or skyscrapers—can transform an economy and forge a legacy. 🍹🏖️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
