Spain labels unruly British tourists as ‘guiris’ amid overtourism tensions

It’s a country that has long attracted large numbers of Brits, who are known for their love of beer, traditional English food, and rowdy behaviour when holidaying abroad, but it seems some UK news outlets are only now catching up on the way a certain breed of British tourist is viewed in Spain.

Rules governing polite and respectful behaviour now abound in Spanish destinations, from Barcelona to Malaga and Seville, places that are trying to find ways to cope with a record influx of tourists that has put the southern European nation second only to France in the visitor popularity stakes and prompted mass anti-tourism protests.

The heavy municipal hints about etiquette, such as Malaga’s “Improve your stay” campaign, range from requests to keep noise down, respect private property, and remain clothed rather than walking around the streets in swimwear, to, in the case of some stag and hen parties, refraining from brandishing lewd and sexual toys. And those who do not comply may find themselves labelled a “guiri”.

@aprildgr8 Answer to @marcosantxeztorres Comment how you would describe a guiri! #spain #canada #guiri #qna #questions #fy #fyp #foryou #parati ♬ original sound – April The Great

The pejorative term is reported to stem from the Basque language word “Giri,” which signifies “blonde” or “fair-skinned.” However, it’s not really the paleness of anyone’s complexion that is prompting the name-calling, but instead the behaviour of any foreign tourist that matches what’s thought of as stereotypical “Brit-abroad” rowdiness or failure to integrate culturally.

Spain is not the only country where a certain breed of Brit has proved unwelcome. Amsterdam went as far as implementing a “stay away” campaign targeted young British men who had been found more likely to indulge in heavy drinking or drug-taking and find themselves in trouble and taking up valuable local resources. Following the release of the adverse advert the Dutch city reduced the number of Brits going to Amsterdam by 22%.

Behaving so badly as to get oneself actively uninvited seems pretty extreme, especially as it would seem there is little excuse for getting it wrong. Social media platforms are awash with posts about how to fit in, whether it involves learning to hold ones cutlery differently in different countries, knowing what time it is usual to ask for a table in a restaurant, or simply when at important sites, obeying the signs that tell visitors what is and isn’t permitted.

But being a “guiri” involves more than simple faux pas, and to avoid being branded as one, visitors should also refrain from acting in an attention-seeking, uninformed, or ignorant manner, especially around culturally sensitive spots such as churches, historic monuments, galleries, and museums. It’s also true that learning at least to say please and thank you in Spanish goes a very long way too, as does being aware of dining etiquette and habits.