Brummie Influencer Labels Benidorm 'The New Dubai' for Affluent Social Media Personalities
A Birmingham-based social media influencer has sparked controversy by claiming that Benidorm, the popular Spanish holiday destination, is transforming into "the new Dubai" for wealthy influencers seeking glamorous content. Graham White, who goes by the online handle Grumet and boasts over 115,000 followers on TikTok, made the bold statement in a recent video, drawing both attention and ridicule from viewers.
Influencer's Lavish Claims About Benidorm's Appeal
In his TikTok clip, Graham White showcased The Royal Arrow hotel in Benidorm, describing the 15-storey building as a "skyscraper" and implying that the resort is now a magnet for affluent tourists. "You can understand why all the influencers from Dubai come to Benidorm now," he told creatorzine.com. "They all come here for their Instagram posts rather than Dubai or Jamaica. Look at the skyscrapers—I just don't understand why they flock to Benidorm instead of Dubai. They call it the new Dubai; it's called the new Dubai."
He further elaborated, noting that when he posts videos, people often mistake the location for Dubai. "It's like something you see out of a movie. You can't tell me that doesn't look like Dubai—the palm trees, the seagulls, everything," he added. In the video's caption, White suggested that Benidorm is evolving into a "playground for the rich," a stark contrast to its traditional image as a budget-friendly destination for British holidaymakers.
Online Backlash and Mockery Over the Comparison
The comparison between Benidorm and Dubai, known for its ultra-luxury and towering skyscrapers, quickly drew skepticism and humor from social media users. One commenter joked, "Playground for Universal Credit," highlighting the resort's reputation for affordability. Another user, Jay, responded with disbelief, saying, "Mate that's a lie," to which White retorted, "It's not, is it? Why are people saying this?"
Additional critiques focused on the hotel's height, with Jorge noting, "Scy scraper, lad it's about 10 floors," while others acknowledged the hotel's appeal without endorsing the Dubai analogy. "It's nothing like Dubai, but that hotel is actually nice—stayed there last year, would recommend it," one viewer commented. This backlash underscores the gap between White's portrayal and Benidorm's long-standing identity as a cost-effective vacation spot.
Graham White's Social Media Presence and Benidorm Focus
Graham White has built a significant following by regularly sharing content about life in Benidorm, often highlighting cheap deals, vibrant nightlife, and the realities of expatriate living. His videos typically resonate with audiences seeking travel tips and insights into the Spanish resort, making his recent luxury claims a surprising departure from his usual themes. The influencer's assertion that Benidorm is attracting high-end influencers has left many viewers stunned, given the destination's historical association with budget tourism.
As the debate continues online, White's comments have ignited discussions about the evolving perceptions of travel destinations in the age of social media, where influencers can shape public opinion with viral content. Whether Benidorm will truly shed its affordable image remains to be seen, but for now, the Brummie influencer's comparison has certainly put the spotlight on this classic holiday hotspot.
