The Canary Islands are living a growing popular contestation against mass tourism. The forecast of 18 million visitors in 2025 is generating tensions between the local population, especially in Lanzarote and Tenerife, where protests have already occurred by residents concerned with the economic, environmental and social impacts of tourist activity, saying that these islands “are no longer a paradise,” according to Birmingham Mail.
According to The Guardian newspaper, only in Tenerife tourism represents 35% of the economy and mostly attracts British visitors. However, it is precisely this constant flow of tourists who are now being seen by many as a threat to local identity.
“The problem is not immigrants, they are tourists,” says the newspaper, reflecting the feeling of part of the population. One of the protesters stated: “People cannot access housing,” pointing out responsibilities to “corrupt” politicians who “do not protect the environment.”
Another resident added: “The Canaryes are no longer a paradise. Our coast is destroyed. We cannot have 18 million tourists.”
“Tourism kills the city”
The manifestations were not limited to the islands, the same source refers. In Barcelona, hundreds of people marched through the city center, with banners that said “mass tourism kills the city” and “your holidays, my misery.”
During the protest, water pistols were fired, launched colorful fumes and stickers with messages such as “defense of the neighborhoods. Tourists go home” in shop windows and hotels.
Popular outrage not only aims at tourists, but especially those responsible for turning these cities into intensive tourist destinations, without safeguards for residents.
Criticism of speculation and tourist
Asier Basurti, a member of the “Tourist” platform, which organized a march in San Sebastián, stressed by the protesters that the protesters do not have tourists as the main target. “People who go on vacation to one side or the other are not our enemies,” he said.
“Let us make this clear: our enemies are those who speculate with housing, who exploit workers and who blatantly profit from the touristification of our cities,” he concluded.
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