Protests against mass tourism have reached a boiling point in Spain’s Canary Islands, as thousands of locals took to the streets in Tenerife demanding a temporary limit on tourist arrivals. The demonstrators, armed with placards reading “People live here” and “We don’t want to see our island die”, voiced their concerns over the rapid growth of short-term holiday rentals and hotel construction driving up housing costs for residents.
The tourism industry accounts for a significant 35% of the archipelago’s GDP, but protesters argue that the current model is not sustainable and needs to be reformed. Environmental organizations organized smaller marches across the islands and other Spanish cities, calling for restrictions on visitor numbers to ease the strain on the environment, infrastructure, and housing market.
With nearly 14 million foreign tourists visiting the Canary Islands in 2023, a 13% increase from the previous year, concerns over the impact on locals have escalated. A draft law is in the works to tighten regulations on short-term rentals, following complaints from residents struggling to afford housing. President Fernando Clavijo acknowledged the need for more controls as the tourism sector continues to expand, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic growth with the well-being of the local population.
As tensions rise between residents and the tourism industry, the Canary Islands face a critical juncture in finding a sustainable solution that benefits both visitors and locals alike. The protests serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by mass tourism and the urgent need for responsible tourism practices in popular destinations worldwide.