The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Many Britons flock to its sunny Spanish beaches every summer.
But while many resort towns on the Costa del Sol have started to recover their industry, a couple are struggling to get going.
According to Spanish media, the once popular coastal area of Benalmádena Costa is slipping off the map.
Spanish paper, Sur, reported that many of the once buzzing bars on the town’s main strip have never reopened.
It is thought that many will never reopen with the same ownership after the area failed to attract tourists.
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Some bars that did reopen once restrictions lifted were forced to close their doors again due to a lack of tourists.
Several hotels didn’t reopen after the summer season. In a normal year, many Britons would have visited the resort during winter.
The area has also been impacted by a decrease in “swallows”, Britons who live in Spain during the winter months.
Cath, the manager of the only open bar on the strip, told Sur: “Obviously the closure of hotels has had a big effect on this area.
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“I have been working on this strip for more than 20 years, and I have never seen it this quiet.
“There just weren’t enough British tourists here, so most of the bars just closed. It’s a shame because this strip used to be buzzing.”
Benalmádena Costa used to cater primarily to British tourists with many restaurants serving Sunday roasts or English breakfasts.
John Hughes, a tourist currently in the resort, told Sur: “It is so terrible to see so many of my favourite bars closed up.
“I have heard that some owners have gone bust, and I am sure this is true.
“I think it is a foregone conclusion that the British tourists will eventually return, but I don’t think that many bar owners will be able to hold out.”
Andy and Sarah Moon, were also holidaying in Benalmádena Costa during the winter season.
They said: “We’ve been coming here for years over the festive season, but this year we had trouble booking a hotel because the one we usually stay at is closed.
“However, the biggest disappointment is that the place is like a ghost town.
“Most of the bars are shut, and the ones that are open have nobody in them.”
It might not be the end for Benalmádena Costa, however. Spanish tourism officials are predicting a surge in bookings in 2022 as travel restrictions relax.
With Spain high on the list for many British tourists, it could see an influx of visitors this year.
According to EasyJet data, almost 30 percent of Britons want to holiday in Spain in 2022.
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