The current intensive tourism scenario in a well -known Spanish archipelago has been the target of growing criticism from residents. Many consider that this model, in one of the major European tourist destinations, is exceeding the limits of sustainability, both environmental and social and economic levels, a view that contrasts with the opinion of many British tourists, usual visitors in the region.
Thousands go out in the street in a simultaneous protest
Last May 18, demonstrations were held on various islands of the region, under the motto “Canarys have a limit”. The protests occurred in a coordinated manner and brought together thousands of people who appeal to profound changes in the tourist sector.
Collapse fear leads to mobilization
The march organizers warn that if the situation remains, the archipelago runs serious risks of collapse. Accessible housing scarcity, environmental degradation and the massification of public spaces are among the main concerns.
Media Eco arrives in the United Kingdom
Discontent has been drawing the attention of the international press. Several British means highlighted the popular contestation, publishing reactions of usual tourists who expressed surprise and even outrage at the protests.
“This island will sink without tourists”
Dave Dott, 60, quoted by AS, told the Mailonline newspaper: “This island will sink if the protesters win. Without tourism, the island has nothing.” The Briton says visiting the site for decades and has no intention of changing his destination.
For Dott, the protests are starring a noisy minority, alien to the importance of the services sector. “I think it is a small but noisy minority, which obviously does not care about the service sector, which would be enormously affected,” he told the British media.
British couple ponders change destination
Olwyn and Dave Hughes, both 71, share the same concern. The British couple revealed that if the climate of hostility remains, they consider exchanging the archipelago for another European tourist destination with similar characteristics, in this case Greece, according to the same source.
Dave Hughes compared the situation to which one lives in Cornwall, where the real estate market was strongly affected by second homes. “If we don’t feel welcome, let’s go to the Greek islands,” he said, manifesting displeasure with the message “tourists go away.”
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Great adhesion on the streets
In some islands, the protests reached significant numbers. Only about 15,000 protesters joined in one of them. In others, the numbers ranged from 2,000 to 5,000 participants, according to local sources.
Criticism of local tourist accommodation
One of the most pointed criticism is the growth of tourist lease platforms, such as Airbnb. This situation has led to a widespread increase in housing prices and the reduction of supply for those seeking permanent housing.
During the protests, Rubén Pérez, spokesman for the Save La Tejita Movement, called for the immediate suspension of buildings in sensitive areas. “They are destroying places such as El Médano and the admitation of Adeje,” he said in a complaint, quoted by.
Local population at disadvantage
According to protesters, residents are increasingly struggling to live in their own land, while properties are converted into temporary accommodation for largely British tourists, creating an unprecedented housing crisis.
Tourism divides opinions
This phenomenon is creating a gap between those who defend tourism as an essential economic engine and those who ask for tighter rules to protect the resources and quality of life of the local population.
As protests gain strength and international visibility, the pressure grows to find a balance between tourist activity and the well-being of communities that welcome millions of visitors per year.
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