Thousands of people protested in the streets of Spain’s Canary Islands, calling for changes to tourism regulations that they claim are harming natural resources and increasing housing costs.
A sustainable tourist approach that helps locals instead of driving them from their homes was advocated by the protestors.
Thousands of people in Spain’s Canary Islands demonstrated against what they refer to as “over tourism” on Sunday in a potent show of annoyance.
Protesters calling for changes to the tourism model that has dominated the islands for years staged simultaneous demonstrations on major islands such as Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote.
Locals expressed their worries about the environmental stress brought on by the millions of visitors who visit the islands annually under the motto “Canary Islands Has a Limit.”
In a symbolic gesture for residents who feel excluded from their own neighborhoods, demonstrators shouted, “This beach is ours,” interrupting visitors who were enjoying the sun at Playa de las Americas.
Despite having a population of only 2.2 million, the Canary Islands saw 9.9 million visitors between January and September of this year, a 10.3% increase over the same time in 2023.
In addition to diminishing resources, activists contend that the surge in tourists is raising housing costs, making it more difficult for locals to purchase homes.
Despite having a population of only 2.2 million, the Canary Islands saw 9.9 million visitors between January and September of this year, a 10.3% increase over the same time in 2023. In addition to diminishing resources, activists contend that the surge in tourists is raising housing costs, making it more difficult for locals to purchase homes.
The regional administration is responding by drafting legislation that will restrict short-term rentals and prevent newly constructed homes from renting out. “We need a tourist model that leaves wealth here and values the beauty of our land,” says 32-year-old protester Sara Lopez, who is optimistic about change.
As locals protest against unsustainable tourism practices, the movement reflects a growing dissatisfaction in tourist-heavy areas of Spain, such as Barcelona and Mallorca.
