UK tourists cautioned about limited tolerance for them in Lanzarote and Tenerife

Locals in Lanzarote and Tenerife are sending a strong message to UK tourists planning a holiday in the Canary Islands – their patience is running out. This past weekend, massive protests erupted across the popular holiday destinations as residents expressed their frustration with the current tourism model.

Antonio Bullon, a protester in Tenerife, voiced his concerns, stating, “The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious.” He emphasized that the Canary Islands have limits and people’s patience is wearing thin.

The islands’ president, Fernando Clavijo, acknowledged the need for more controls in the tourism industry. He expressed pride in the region being a top Spanish tourism spot but highlighted the importance of implementing changes to prevent uncontrolled hotel openings.

Campaigners held placards with messages like “People live here” and “We don’t want to see our island die” during the protests over the weekend. They emphasized that their message was not against tourists but against a tourism model that does not benefit the land and needs to be reformed.

The demonstrations coincided with an ongoing hunger strike by six individuals outside a church in La Laguna, Tenerife. The number of demonstrators in Tenerife reached around 10,000 people, showing the widespread concern among locals.

As tensions rise, activists like 15-year-old Celia Quintero are speaking out about the pressure to accommodate British tourists, even in schools. The protests and hunger strike highlight the growing discontent among residents in the Canary Islands, urging authorities to address the issues in the tourism industry before it’s too late.