Protests erupt in Canary Islands as UK tourists encounter ‘do not enter’ warnings

The Canary Islands are facing a tourism crisis as fed-up residents are taking a stand against the overwhelming influx of holidaymakers. Canarias Se Agota, a group advocating for sustainable tourism, is organizing protests across popular islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and La Palma on April 20.

Locals have put up unofficial signs warning tourists to stay away, citing overcrowding and the strain on resources. In Lanzarote, access routes have been chained off, and graffiti reading ‘My Misery, Your Paradise’ and ‘Tourist Go Home’ can be seen in various locations.

One protest organizer expressed concerns about the impact of mass tourism on the islands, stating that some residents are being forced to sleep in cars and caves due to housing shortages caused by tourism operators. The rise of platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com has exacerbated the issue, leading to a situation where the island’s resources are being depleted rapidly.

British expats living on Gran Canaria echoed these sentiments, highlighting the limited capacity of the islands to accommodate the millions of tourists who visit each year. The environmental strain and lack of infrastructure to support the tourism industry have sparked outrage among residents.

Hunger strikes in Tenerife are also underway to protest against the construction of new hotel developments that violate environmental regulations. Despite authorities halting work on some projects, construction has resumed, further fueling the discontent among locals. The pushback against unsustainable tourism practices is gaining momentum, with residents calling for a more responsible approach to tourism to protect the Canary Islands’ unique environment and resources.