Benidorm. A name that screams sun, sea, and skyscraper vibes 🏖️🌇. But did you know this Spanish hotspot still follows the same mass tourism playbook it kicked off under General Franco? Fifty years after his death, Benidorm’s skyline of high-rise hotels and endless package deals is a living time capsule of the 1950s tourism boom.
Back then, Spain was too conservative to let women handle business – unless they were in Benidorm. With men lost at sea, local women stepped up, launching cafes, guesthouses, and even the first bikini-friendly beaches 😎. Angela Barcelo’s grandmother opened Hotel Les Dunes in 1957, turning sunblock and sangría into a thriving factory of happiness.
While other resorts face protests against overtourism, Benidorm doubles down on its formula: more hotels, more package tours, more bikinis. And it works. Visitors keep flocking for the guaranteed combo of sun, fun, and a skyline straight out of a retro postcard.
But is the Franco-era model still sustainable in a modern world? With climate change, local weariness, and a desire for authentic experiences, Benidorm’s factory of fun might need a fresh upgrade. One thing’s for sure: the women who built this beach paradise are still its secret power players.
Next time you pack your bags for Spain, remember: behind every skyscraper and sangría is a story of sun-kissed transformation and social change. Benidorm isn’t just a resort—it’s a reminder that tourism can reshape lives, for better or worse. 😉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com