Anti-tourism sentiments are escalating in the Canary Islands, with a significant wave of protests expected this weekend. Activists and residents are urging visitors, particularly from the UK, to reconsider their holiday choices in light of what they describe as the islands’ precarious position due to overtourism. Organisers have predicted that up to 132,000 individuals will march in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, reflecting deep concerns over the environmental and social impacts of mass tourism.
Ivan, an activist aligned with the local environmental organisation ATAN, articulated the urgency of the situation. He explained that the influx of tourists and new residents is straining essential services such as public transport, waste management, and water supplies. "The Canary Islands are facing a critical situation due to tourism saturation and overpopulation, mainly Europeans moving here," he stated. He implored tourists to seek out alternative destinations where their presence would have less detrimental environmental and social consequences.
The argument for a more sustainable and equitable tourism model is gaining traction among locals. Protests are not merely reactions but a concerted demand for a shift in policy, with activists pushing for ten specific reforms. These include an immediate cessation of so-called "illegal hotels" in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, which many view as symptomatic of a tourism-centric model that prioritises profit over community welfare.
The context of these protests is underpinned by alarming statistics. In 2023, the Canary Islands—home to approximately 2.2 million residents—welcomed an astonishing 13.9 million visitors, creating a significant disparity between the needs of locals and the demands of the tourism industry. This figure alone illustrates how tourism, which accounts for about 35% of the region's GDP, can exert a heavy burden on local infrastructures.
Calls for change are echoed by a growing public sentiment supporting the introduction of a tourist tax, which has been a controversial topic across Spain. A recent survey revealed that nearly half of local residents are in favour of such a levy, asserting that it could alleviate some of the pressure caused by mass tourism. This perspective is particularly prevalent in metropolitan areas like Tenerife and Lanzarote, where over 50% of locals support the introduction of a tax system akin to those in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands, has acknowledged the mounting pressure from both activists and residents, suggesting that the introduction of a tourist tax may indeed be on the table. Such measures, if enacted, could serve as a pivotal shift towards a more responsible and sustainable approach to tourism in the region, addressing the concerns of residents and environmental advocates alike.
Indeed, past demonstrations against mass tourism have seen a variety of stakeholders uniting under the banner of sustainability, urging local authorities to adopt measures to limit tourist numbers and curb rampant development. While the protests last year involved around 57,000 participants, this weekend's gathering is expected to dwarf that number, indicating a growing urgency among the populace.
Ultimately, the situation in the Canary Islands serves as a critical reminder of the delicate balance required in managing tourism. The need for a model that preserves local environments and communities while allowing for economic benefits cannot be overstated. Activists hope that awareness raised through protests will foster a shift towards policies that prioritise a sustainable future for both residents and visitors alike.
Reference Map
- Paragraph 1: [1]
- Paragraph 2: [1]
- Paragraph 3: [1], [4]
- Paragraph 4: [1], [5]
- Paragraph 5: [6]
- Paragraph 6: [6]
- Paragraph 7: [2], [4]
- Paragraph 8: [3], [4]
- Paragraph 9: [7]
Source: Noah Wire Services