Amid growing discontent over mass tourism, British holidaymakers find themselves facing unprecedented anti-tourism protests throughout the Canary Islands this weekend. The demonstrations, set to take place under the slogan "Canarias tiene un limite" (The Canaries has a limit), are anticipated to attract hundreds of thousands of locals who are protesting against what they perceive as an untenable tourism model. The event will stretch across the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro, Lanzarote, and La Palma, with solidarity protests also scheduled in major Spanish cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.
The roots of this unrest lie in a surge of visitors that has left local resources strained. In 2023, Spain welcomed a staggering 85 million international tourists, with projections for 91 million in 2024. The Canary Islands, home to a population of just 2.2 million, received nearly 16 million visitors last year alone. This heavy influx, making up a significant 35% share of the islands' GDP and 40% of employment, has led to increasing concerns about rising rental costs, environmental degradation, and the degradation of local agricultural sectors.
Demonstrators are fighting for a range of measures, including a cap on tourist numbers, a ban on new hotel construction, and a more substantial tourist tax to fund environmental preservation initiatives. Activists argue that the current model is not only unsustainable but is pushing the islands toward a demographic and ecological crisis. Notably, projects like the controversial Cuna del Alma and La Tejita hotels in Tenerife are being targeted for their perceived environmental impacts.
Amidst the backdrop of protests, British holidaymakers are expressing mixed feelings. Some visitors, like Dave Dott from Glasgow, contend that the island's economic stability is precarious without tourism. He voiced his concerns about the potential fallout from the protests, stating, "This island will collapse if the protesters get their way… without tourism the island has nothing." Likewise, Staffordshire resident Paul Nixon highlighted a perceived decline in bookings, suggesting that many tourists are already reconsidering their future trips in light of the protests.
The growing discontent with tourism is not isolated to the Canary Islands. Over the last year, Spain has seen a surge of protest actions in prominent tourist areas like Barcelona and Venice, where residents have expressed their frustration through creative demonstrations, including the use of water pistols to make a statement against overwhelming tourist numbers. This frustration mirrors a broader trend across Europe, where communities are seeking to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of local ways of life.
In a climate where many locals feel overwhelmed, even seasoned tourists like the Ross couple, who have visited Tenerife for years, are contemplating future holidays elsewhere, citing a growing unease due to the protests. They remark on their experience of being confronted by demonstrators advocating for tourists to "go home." As Michelle Ross noted, "It doesn't make you feel too welcome."
The high volume of tourists has been attributed, in part, to the proliferation of short-term rental properties, often blamed for driving up housing prices and limiting availability for local residents. Activists are calling for stricter regulations on these types of rentals to mitigate the housing crisis and ensure that home ownership remains accessible for locals. English couples like Olwyn and Dave Hughes agree that while they cherish their time in the Canary Islands, they will reconsider their destination if the protests intensify.
As the Canary Islands grapple with the ever-increasing pressures of mass tourism, residents and visitors alike reflect on the urgent need for a sustainable approach that protects local interests while simultaneously addressing the economic realities that make tourism a crucial part of life on the islands. With calls for an eco-tax and caps on visitor numbers gaining traction, the impending protests serve as a powerful reminder that while tourism is vital for the local economy, it must be managed carefully to ensure the longevity of both the landscape and the communities that call it home.
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Source: Noah Wire Services