Thousands will swarm Spanish holiday destinations to protest the disastrous effect that the mass influx of tourists has had on local services and housing
Brits have been warned to “stop coming” to the Canary Islands ahead of large-scale anti-tourism protests planned across the archipelago and mainland Spanish cities this weekend.
Spanish organisers anticipate that up to 132,000 people will march from Plaza Weyler in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, on Sunday to express their discontent with overtourism.
Ivan, an activist within the protest movement who prefers to be identified by his first name only, is also a member of the local environmental organisation ATAN. He expressed his concerns: “The Canary Islands are facing a critical situation due to tourism saturation and overpopulation, mainly Europeans moving here.
“The influx of visitors, combined with the new residents, strains essential infrastructure such as public transportation, waste management, and water supply, while contributing to environmental pollution and degradation. This system provides minimal benefits to the local population, perpetuating issues like poverty and vulnerability, and fueling urban development projects and corruption that worsen the crisis.”
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Ivan urged UK holidaymakers to consider other destinations. He told the Express: “Therefore, we encourage tourists to consider alternative destinations where their visit will have a smaller environmental and social impact.
“It is necessary to stop this unsustainable model to rebuild a more balanced and fair tourism industry focused on improving residents’ quality of life and preserving the environment.
“Only then can we reverse the damage and move toward a more sustainable future for the islands.”
This comes as Tenerife, along with other popular Canary Islands, are inching towards implementing a contentious new tourist tax. Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canary Islands and national secretary general of the Canary Islands Coalition, has given a nod to the proposal.
Protesters have put forth 10 demands for a “fair, sustainable and people-centred model”, including an immediate end to so-called “illegal hotels” in Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote that are “symbols of a model that prioritises private profits over collective well-being”.
The marchers are calling for a total stop to new hotels and holiday rentals, new housing and healthcare rights, and environmental regulations to protect their beauty spots
Campaigners also wish to see “ecosystem restoration and food and energy sovereignty”, and an end to “mega projects” like railways, road expansions, ports and airports that are “designed to further increase tourist and population pressure”.