Extinction Fears for Canary Islands Natives Amidst Expat Influx

A Tenerife activist, Atterni Rivero Quintero, has raised concerns about the dwindling presence of native islanders due to the increasing influx of expats, particularly British tourists. Quintero warns that this overtourism and property acquisition by outsiders could lead to the extinction of the local population if left unchecked. The protests in Santa Cruz on April 20, with 120,000 participants, highlighted the frustration and anger among islanders over the negative impacts of tourism, including environmental degradation, poverty, and rising property prices. Quintero, a former resident of El Medano, was forced to leave her hometown due to the overwhelming presence of outsiders and the disruption it caused to her daily life.

Scroll to Top