It’s been a tough summer travel season for Spain.
Heatwaves have brought on multiple 100-plus-degree Fahrenheit days. Deadly wildfires — partially tied to high temperatures — have blazed across the country, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.
Now, Spain is preparing to face its next challenge: a total eclipse set to pass over Spain on August 12, stoking the country’s overtourism concerns.
“We haven’t promoted the eclipse,” said Miguel Sanz, president of the European Travel Commission and general director of the Spanish Tourism Institute (Turespaña). “We’re all crossing our fingers not to be overwhelmed by local domestic and international travelers wanting to go everywhere, especially with the wildfires.”
But Spain’s government and tourism leaders also see opportunity in the eclipse, which is expected to help draw more tourists to lesser-known destinations miles away from the saturated Mediterranean coast.&n