PHOTOS: Both masked, unmasked tourists, locals enjoy summer in Spain despite coronavirus restrictions

Concerns over a “second wave” of coronavirus infections brought on by returning vacationers are wreaking havoc on Europe’s tourism industry, particularly in Spain, following Britain’s effective ban on travel to the country. Spain reacted angrily on Tuesday to recommendations from Britain and Germany that their citizens avoid its islands and beaches because of an increase in coronavirus cases during what should be the height of the tourism season. With advisories piling up on top of a quarantine order from Britain for returning travellers, Spain, which depends on summer visits by sun-seeking northern Europeans, is facing a major blow to any hopes of reviving its economy. Tourism accounts for just over 12% of Spain’s GDP and nearly 13% of jobs. The country lost one million jobs between April and June, its biggest ever quarterly decline, and fears steeper losses as the summer season crashes.

Updated on: Jul 29, 2020 1:52 PM IST

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Tourists and locals eat on the terrace of a "Chiringuito" (beach restaurant), after Catalonia's regional authorities announced restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Sant Marti d'Empuries, near Figueres, Costa Brava, Spain July 28, 2020. (REUTERS)

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People wearing protective face masks sit at the Las Cruces park amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Madrid, Spain July 28, 2020. (REUTERS)

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Tourists wearing face masks walk on a street, after Catalonia's regional authorities announced restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Sant Marti d'Empuries, near Figueres, Costa Brava, Spain July 28, 2020. (REUTERS)

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People wearing protective face masks stand at the Las Cruces park amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Madrid, Spain July 28, 2020. (REUTERS)

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People wearing protective face masks sit at the Las Cruces park during the sunset amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Madrid, Spain July 28, 2020. (REUTERS)

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A couple embraces on the top of an ancient wall, after Catalonia's regional authorities announced restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Sant Marti d'Empuries, near Figueres, Costa Brava, Spain July 28, 2020. (REUTERS)

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People sit at the bar in Las Cruces park amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Madrid, Spain July 28, 2020. (REUTERS)

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People sit at an outdoor seating section of a bar amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Madrid, Spain July 28, 2020. (REUTERS)