“The Canary Islands Are Not for Sale!”: Furious Residents Storm Tourist Hotspots, Demand Radical Change45

People Also Read

Dave Reddin Named New Director of Rugby for Welsh Rugby Union

Marks and Spencer Halts Online Shopping After Cybersecurity Breach

Bank of England’s Greene: US Tariffs May Push Down UK Inflation

Teen’s violent assault leaves pensioner with life-changing injuries

The Canary Islands face a pivotal moment as anti-tourism protests escalate, threatening to upend the region’s travel-dependent economy ahead of the critical summer season. Demonstrators are mobilizing against record visitor numbers, with Tenerife emerging as the epicenter of a movement demanding immediate limits on tourism infrastructure and housing reforms. Activist group Canarias tiene un límite has vowed to intensify tactics, shifting protests to tourist hotspots like Playa de las Américas to pressure policymakers.

“From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated,” declared the group, which plans coordinated demonstrations across all islands starting May 18. Their manifesto warns of boycotts, political confrontations, and occupations of symbolic sites, stating, “The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few.”
A government-led public consultation launched April 21 seeks to overhaul decades-old tourism laws, aiming to balance economic needs with residents’ welfare amid rising tensions.

Regional spokesperson Alfonso Cabello emphasized collaboration, stating, “We’re doing this the Canary Islands way—extending a hand and listening to everyone.”

Tourism Minister Jessica de León stressed the urgency of aligning policies with environmental and social realities, noting the sector’s 35% GDP contribution and reliance on 300,000 local jobs.

British tourists, who comprised over 5 million of the Canaries’ 18 million visitors in 2024, face potential disruptions as protests target airports and resorts.

Activist Iván Cerdena Molina issued a blunt plea: “Please don’t come—we cannot take it anymore.” Critics argue the current model prioritizes international hotel chains and short-term rentals, exacerbating housing shortages and gentrification in areas like Los Cristianos.

Public sentiment among UK travelers remains divided, with some expressing sympathy: “You have to feel for Islanders—all-inclusive resorts kill local economies, but they need managed tourism.”

Others advocate domestic alternatives, suggesting, “The North Yorkshire Moors and Whitby are worth a visit.” Proposals for reform include capping Airbnb listings and accelerating housing projects to alleviate displacement.

The May 18 protests aim to disrupt peak tourist arrivals, with organizers warning of roadblocks and airport delays to amplify their message. As the Canaries grapple with water scarcity and pollution from cruise ships, activists insist their demands—including tourist caps and sustainable investment—are nonnegotiable.

“This cry reflects a people tired of being ignored,” the group stated, signaling a new phase of direct action to reshape the islands’ future.