Post-Brexit, UK nationals are subject to a 90-day stay limit within the Schengen area, which includes the Canary Islands. This has left disgruntled British tourists with no choice but to consider returning home, leading to a significant decline in tourism for the region. Thousands of locals took to the streets last weekend to protest against the surge in short-term holiday rentals and hotel developments, which are causing a rise in local housing costs.
The demonstrations were met with signs reading “We don’t want to see our island die,” “Stop Hotels,” and “Canaries not for sale.” Protesters expressed their concerns about the negative impact of mass tourism on the island’s resources and economy.
Despite acknowledging the popularity of the Canary Islands as a tourist destination, the region’s president emphasized the need for stricter controls. With an annual tourist count far exceeding its population of two million, Tenerife, in particular, has become a popular destination for Spanish and international tourists. In 2022, Tenerife alone welcomed over 5.8 million visitors. As of 2023, Tenerife’s population stands at approximately 954,300.
