Thousands of fed-up locals across the will take to the streets this weekend - demanding drastic change to the 'unsustainable' model. It follows the record-breaking number of visitors that last year, and the subsequent string of demonstrations.
After blaming holidaymakers for worsening , activists, and members of the Canarian diaspora abroad will gather en masse on Sunday, May 18 to call for new legislation that puts an end to 'exploitative economic models' on the island. This includes putting a halt to 'destructive' projects such as high-profile hotels, and freezing new tourist developments.
Protestors also want a green energy transition, and an eco-tax for tourists. The latter has already been mulled over in hotspots such as - which is slated to implement an entrance fee in 2026.
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Other demands include 'cultural and social heritage protection', clamping down on marine pollution, and rejecting macro-infrastructure projects. "If they don't listen in the streets, they'll hear us in everyday life," one protest organiser told local news.
According to , protests will take place in 15 areas across the Canary Islands, and demonstrators have vowed they 'won't stop' until they've achieved the change of model the Canary Islands urgently need'. If you're heading over to the hotspot this week, you may want to avoid the following areas.
Canary Island's anti-tourist protests - where to avoid
- Tenerife – Plaza Weyler, Santa Cruz, 11:00am
- Gran Canaria – Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas, 11:00 am
- Lanzarote – Quiosco de la Música, Arrecife, 11:00am
- Fuerteventura – Plaza de la Iglesia, Puerto del Rosario, 11:00am
- El Hierro – Consejería de Turismo, Valverde, 11:00am
- La Palma – Plaza de La Alameda, Santa Cruz de La Palma, 11:00am
- La Gomera – Plaza de Las Américas, San Sebastián, 11:00am
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The upcoming protests are hardly a surprise, as anti-tourist sentiment has been escalating across Spain for some time - and has even taken a violent turn. Back in March, a , while reports also emerged that anonymous activists had torched rental cars on the island to send a clear message to holidaymakers.
Last month, Spain passed a law in a desperate attempt to appease frustrated residents. Following an update to the , those wanting to cash in on the influx of Brits by renting out their house to holidaymakers will now need to gain a 60 per cent majority vote from neighbouring property owners.
The brutal new rule means homeowners putting their apartments on sites like Airbnb or Booking.com without the 'necessary support' will be asked to cease operations. They may be threatened with legal action if they ignore the warning.
Has the rise in anti-tourist protests put you off from travelling to the Canary Islands? Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured
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