The Canary Islands, a popular holiday destination among Brits for decades, have come under the spotlight in recent weeks due to protests from locals against mass tourism.
Protests have been held across the archipelago, with demonstrators calling for changes to the tourism model. Locals are concerned about the impact of mass tourism on the environment, local infrastructure, and their quality of life.
In 2023, 13.9 million tourists visited the Canary Islands, significantly outnumbering the local population of 2.2 million. The islands are home to biodiversity hotspots and fragile unique landscapes, which activists fear could be damaged by too many visitors or through the creation of new developments.
The Canary Islands government has acknowledged the concerns and announced a ‘new transformative strategy’ for tourism. This includes plans to create ‘eco resorts’ and increase tourist capacity to 23 million visitors per year.
However, locals fear these plans are not sustainable. The Canary Islands are the second poorest region in Spain, and residents are concerned that new mass tourism developments will use up local resources, drive up the cost of housing, and impact their lives.
On April 20, people across the Canary Islands participated in protests, calling for more sustainable models of tourism. Activists have also gone on hunger strike to oppose the development of new hotels and beaches.
The Canary Islands President, Fernando Clavijo, has said that the region’s tourism model is ‘successful’ but needs to be ‘perfected.’ He has acknowledged that tighter controls are needed and that a conference of island presidents will be held on April 30 to discuss the future of tourism in the region.
In light of the protests, a new tourism strategy could be launched in the Canary Islands to ensure a more sustainable approach. This could include measures such as introducing a tourist tax or limiting the number of visitors.
The future of tourism in the Canary Islands remains uncertain. However, it is clear that locals are demanding changes to ensure that the region’s natural beauty and quality of life are protected.
