Tourists were taken aback as they were met with hostile anti-tourism protests on the majestic beaches of the Canary Islands. The demonstration, which involved over 8,000 locals, was a stark message to authorities that they were fed up with spiralling rental prices and the influx of visitors. The protesters made it clear that they believed there was no need for more tourists in the region.
The protests took a more aggressive turn as campaigners targeted popular tourist spots across the Canary Islands, including beaches frequented by British holidaymakers. Sunbathers at Tenerife’s Playa de las Americas and Troya beaches found themselves caught up in the commotion, using their beach towels as shields as protesters invaded the sands and demanded their departure, with many signs in English. The catchphrase of the protest was “The Canary Islands have a limit,” highlighting the strain on public services due to the surge in tourism.
The anti-tourist sentiment has been growing not just in the Canary Islands but across Spain, with groups banding together to voice their concerns. Despite government efforts to tackle the issue, such as cracking down on illegal holiday lets in Madrid, the movement shows no signs of waning. The newly formed anti-tourism organisation has stated their intention to confront the system that they believe is destroying their islands, emphasizing the need to address the injustices faced by local communities.
Residents in popular Spanish destinations, including the Canary Islands, lamented the impact of tourism, with foreign ownership of properties leading to increased living costs and the displacement of locals. The ‘Canary Islands have a limit’ campaigners highlighted the detrimental effects of unchecked tourism on communities, including rising living expenses, housing shortages, job insecurity, and environmental degradation.
The escalation of anti-tourism protests across Spain underscores the growing tension between locals and tourists, with calls for stricter regulations and measures to protect the interests of residents. As the movement gains momentum, it is clear that the issue of sustainable tourism and respect for local communities will continue to be a point of contention in popular holiday destinations.