Residents of the Canary Islands protest against mass tourism

CANARY ISLANDS: Tens of thousands of people protested in the Canary Islands on Saturday to demand changes to the mass tourism model they say is overwhelming the archipelago.

There is a demand for a reevaluation of the tourism strategy in the Spanish archipelago, as well as a pause in the number of visitors.

Police said 20,000 protesters showed up for the rallies, while organizers estimated the number was closer to 50,000.

There were also demonstrations in Madrid and Barcelona in support of the meetings in the Canary Islands.

What are the demands of the protesters?
Protest organizers say mass tourism perpetuates an economic model that hurts local residents. They want authorities to temporarily limit tourist arrivals to curb a boom in short-term rentals and hotel construction that is driving up housing costs for locals.

They call for restrictions on real estate purchases by foreigners. The protesters also want residents to have more say in what they see as uncontrolled development that is damaging the environment.

Last week, several members of the Canaries Sold Out collective also started an indefinite hunger strike against the construction of two major luxury developments in the south of Tenerife.

To expand

Millions of foreign tourists visit every year
Tourism is essential to the island’s economy. Industry accounts for 35% of economic production and secures 40% of jobs.

In 2023, around 14 million visitors, mainly from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, and around 2 million people from mainland Spain went on holiday there

“We are not against tourism,” said protester Rosario Correo. “We ask that they change this model, which allows unlimited growth in tourism.”

Island officials are concerned about the consequences for residents. A bill is expected to be passed this year to tighten rules on short-term rentals in response to complaints from residents who have been priced out of the housing market.