The Canary Islands, a popular holiday destination in Spain, witnessed a wave of protests on Sunday, October 21, 2024, as residents rallied against the impact of over-tourism. With the slogan “Canary Islands has a limit,” thousands of people took to the streets across Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and El Hierro, demanding change in the islands’ tourism approach.
The demonstrations, which saw people gathering on beaches, chanting “This beach is ours” as tourists sunbathed nearby, highlighted the growing frustration among locals. Activists argue that the influx of millions of tourists each year is putting a strain on the islands’ scarce natural resources, particularly water, and causing significant environmental damage. The Spanish government reported at least 8,000 people participated in these protests.
The Canary Islands welcomed 9.9 million visitors from January to September 2024, an increase of 10.3% compared to the same period in 2023. This influx of tourists, against a backdrop of a 2.2 million population, is causing significant pressure on housing markets, with locals struggling to find affordable homes. The protests come as Spain grapples with the broader issue of over-tourism, with similar demonstrations occurring in other popular tourist destinations like Barcelona, Mallorca, and Malaga.
In response to the growing concerns, the regional government of the Canary Islands has proposed new legislation to tighten regulations on short-term rentals. This law, expected to pass later this year, aims to address the housing affordability crisis caused by the increasing demand for tourist accommodations. The new legislation will prohibit newly constructed properties from entering the short-let market, while property owners already holding permits will be given a five-year period to meet the new regulations. These regulations include a provision allowing neighbors to contest permits for short-term rentals.
This proactive approach by the Canary Islands government comes as a response to the significant surge in the number of private tourist rentals in recent years. This trend, mirroring the growing frustration seen in other parts of Spain, has led to concerns about the impact on local housing markets. Just recently, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Valencia, demanding more affordable housing, arguing that the increase in tourist flats is driving up property prices, making it harder for locals to secure long-term homes.
The protests across the Canary Islands highlight the broader issue of over-tourism’s impact on housing markets across Spain. As tourism continues to grow, the need to find a balance between economic benefits and the well-being of local communities is becoming increasingly crucial. These protests serve as a reminder of the need for sustainable tourism practices that benefit both visitors and residents.