Tourism, as an economic and cultural engine, faces increasing pressures in tourist destinations, driven by the growth of demand, environmental challenges and the demands of a constantly changing sector. On Canary Islands, for example, residents do not consider themselves “anti-visiting”, but denounce the negative impacts of mass tourism, namely the misbehavior of some tourists, without economic benefits being properly shared by the local population.
Almost 100 million foreign tourists visited Spain in 2024, with 30.5 million to go to the Canary and Balear Islands.
With new protests against planned excessive tourism, he talked to residents concerned with the archipelago’s future. They underline that they do not reject tourists, but want changes in the way they plan their vacation and behave during their stay.
Canary Islands are now a tourist destination throughout the year
Guillermo, a local guide in Gran Canaria, states that this winter was the busiest ever, something confirmed by data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), which show an increase of 1.1% in December 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year.
Gran Canaria was traditionally a winter destination, explains Guillermo, recalling that the British visited the island for two centuries for the mild climate, medicinal waters and spas. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, tourism moved to the south of the island in search of the sun. “I think it’s changing again, with visitors arriving in the summer to explore landscapes, culture, history, hiking, diving and whale observation,” he told Euronews.
Unlike colleagues who work for large tourism companies, Guillermo is considered “privileged” for managing his own company, focused on private tours and small groups.
Traditionally, he dedicated summers to local conservation, but now has reserves throughout the year.
The British lead the visits to Spain
In 2024, most tourists came from the United Kingdom, France and Germany, with the British spending 22.6 billion euros, an increase of 13.5% compared to 2023, says Euronews Travel.
Catalonia received 19.9 million tourists, followed by the Balearic Islands (15.3 million) and the Canary Islands (15.2 million). With only 2.2 million residents, the cannaries had 6.9 times more visitors than inhabitants.
In Ibiza, protesters denounced that they are forced to live in cars due to the high cost of housing, as a result of tourist accommodation. Similar situation is reported in the cannaries.
The numbers indicate that tourist flow will continue to grow by 2025.
Even sector workers adhere to protests
Despite living from tourism, Guillermo participated in the “anti-tutorial” protests in Gran Canaria and explained to Euronews Travel that international media coverage distorts what is at stake. “We want to recover our balance and solve the problems created by tourism pressure,” he said.
He denounces that most tourism profits do not benefit places. “Most income goes out for foreign companies. We want a fairer distribution. ”
Housing is one of the central problems, driven by short rentals.
Airbnb did not bring the expected benefits
“Since the growth of Airbnb, residents can no longer live where they lived before. When even people with full -time employment can’t afford income, there is a problem. ”
Initially, the inhabitants saw the platform as an opportunity to share tourism profits. “If you had an empty house, family members could earn some money,” he explained.
“But now integer buildings in Las Palmas are dedicated to vacation rentals. This needs regulation. Foreign companies buy whole properties without paying taxes here – or elsewhere. This is a big problem. ”
In April 2025, residents will be able to vote for restrictions on new tourist housing. The regional government also proposed new rules, including fines of 30,000 euros for illegal housing.
Nestor Marrero Rodríguez, Atan secretary and protest organizer in Tenerife, advises tourists: “Avoid using Airbnb as it rises lace and causes gentrification.” Alternatively, it suggests choosing places managed by locations.
In April 2025, large -scale protests are planned, including a march in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on February 16.
Tourists must respect the archipelago
Residents warn of the ecological fragility of the islands. Nestor denounces the “worst behaviors” in Tenerife: aggressions to airline employees, rail disrespect, stone and shell collection and illegal use of drones in protected areas.
“British tourists are the ones who behave worse,” he says, citing excessive consumption of alcohol and violence. Guillermo is more moderate: “Most British in my tours are respectful, but there are always those who throw trash to the floor or just come to drink and sunbathe.”
Guillermo stresses that sustainable tourism is essential. “When thousands of people leave the rails daily, the impact accumulates.” You ask visitors to conscience: “We live here 365 days a year. This is not a theme park. ”
Tourism can be sustainable
Guillermo advises: “Follow the rules. Do not lead where it is forbidden, do not emphasize flowers or stones and do not leave a trace. ”
Nestor criticizes All-Inclusive hotels, which “leave only a negative footprints on the island” as they are managed by foreign companies that contribute little to the local economy.
Both recommend supporting local businesses: “Explore the island on their own, hires guides, visits museums, vineyards and cheeses,” suggests Guillermo.
Nestor reinforces: “Go to the beach instead of wearing the pool, reserves authentic experiences and avoids major international chains.”
Even for those who choose All-Inclusive holidays, Guillermo proposes to have dinner at a local restaurant to try authentic cuisine.
More resources are necessary to manage tourism
Guillermo argues that tourism profits should finance better infrastructure and environmental protection. “In Lanzarote, there are only two or three forest guards – it’s insufficient!”
“At Roque Nublo and Los Tiles, the most iconic rocks of Gran Canaria, there are too many car parked on the road, preventing the passage of ambulances and firefighters.”
The pressure of tourism in the cannaries is not just a matter of numbers, but of sustainability and economic justice for local residents.
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