Metro has spoken exclusively to several key figures within the industry, providing insight into how airlines, travel agencies, and local governments can work together to address the issue of overtourism. Airlines, such as Wizz Air, have a crucial role to play in this issue. •

• Wizz Air will launch five new routes from London to some of Spain’s most popular destinations in March 2026
• Fares start from as little as £17.99 one way
• Flights will run to Bilbao, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville

In our conversation with Jaroslaw Grabczak, Head of Commercial Product at Thomas Cook and eSky Group online travel agency, we touched on the impact of airlines on overtourism. ‘The rapid growth of air travel, particularly driven by low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair, funnels huge volumes of visitors into already saturated destinations,’ he says. •

1. Grabczak says that this creates pressure on local infrastructure, housing, and the social fabric of communities
2. The focus should be on longer stays and deeper cultural engagement, not just the number of visitors

To address the problem, Grabczak urges the industry to collaborate and move beyond outdated measures. •

Another expert, Marta Moya, a PR director who works with the Spanish Tourism Board, agrees that the industry needs to work together. •

‘The dream is for every player in the travel industry to do their bit. Our preference is for airlines to focus on launching new routes to lesser-known Spanish destinations,’

• Marta Moya, PR director, Spanish Tourism Board

The decision to launch new flights will undoubtedly impact the tourism industry in Spain. •

However, Wizz Air takes a different stance. • Wizz Air spokesperson:

‘Our mission is to make travel accessible for everyone. We keep fares low and ‘open up opportunities to discover new places and enjoy local cultures.’

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• Over 800 routes across more than 50 countries are available
• Direct connections to multiple cities beyond tourist hotspots boost local economies
• Jobs and local businesses are created through increased demand

• Wizz Air is also encouraging customers to travel during off-peak periods. ‘We encourage travellers to consider travelling during off-peak periods and explore off-the-beaten-track destinations to get the most authentic and affordable experiences.’

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The impact of increased flights on overtourism is a contentious issue. •

Overtourism in Spain

Short-term holiday lets and cruise ships have been accused of destroying destinations and pricing locals out of their homes. •

• Moves have been made to stop them. Earlier this year, Madrid City Council temporarily suspended the granting of new short-term rental licenses.
• Barcelona’s mayor last year announced plans to increase the tourist tax for day-trippers who visit the city for 12 hours or less.
• Cruise ships have also been criticized.

However, Christian Petzold, Best of Barcelona Travel Director, argues that the real issue lies in soaring hotel rates. • Christian Petzold, Best of Barcelona Travel Director

‘Airbnb helps to equalise income from accommodation spending, but many owners are renting out their second or third apartment for this. They still live in the communities and spend their money here. The restriction on Airbnbs and new building projects are partly to blame.’

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• Instead of imposing further restrictions, Petzold suggests expanding Airbnb licences into surrounding areas.
• Improved public transport and a smarter distribution of holiday rental licenses could create a more balanced tourism model.

The new Wizz Air flights offer a unique opportunity to address this issue. •

How often will the new Spanish flights run?

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• Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director at Wizz Air UK

‘The airline is ‘excited to announce not one, but five new Spanish routes’ from its base at London Luton Airport. • Moynihan emphasizes that the airline is ‘bringing serious competition’ with low fares and a high-efficiency model. • Wizz Air is making travel ‘accessible and affordable to all.’

The decision to launch new routes has sparked debate about the role of the airline industry in addressing overtourism. •

A Response from Wizz Air

• Wizz Air is not only launching new routes but also encouraging customers to travel during off-peak periods. • Moynihan states: ‘While some airlines “stick to siestas,” Wizz Air is bringing ‘serious competition’ with low fares and a high-efficiency model.’

• Moynihan emphasizes that the airline’s goal is to make travel ‘accessible and affordable to all.’

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