Mass anti-tourism protests have erupted in Tenerife, with locals demanding a freeze on holidaymakers.
In response to the protests, politicians are considering implementing measures to regulate the number of visitors to the island and charge tourists a daily fee to access natural spaces.
The Canary Islands Tourism Board maintains that tourist numbers remain stable compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, local residents have expressed concerns about the strain that mass tourism is placing on the island’s environment, infrastructure, and housing market.
Some protesters have directed their anger at the government rather than tourists, calling for changes in tourism policies. They argue that the influx of holiday rentals is driving up the cost of living and contributing to noise, traffic, and waste issues.
Despite the protests, the Canary Islands Tourism Board emphasizes the importance of tourism to the local economy. British tourists, who make up a significant portion of visitors to Tenerife, have expressed concern about the potential impact of new taxes and restrictions.
