The search for a more sustainable tourism model is generating tensions in various European destinations. In this archipelago, intensive tourism has been increasingly contested by residents, who denounce the negative impacts of a deregulated tourist activity. In the Canary Islands, such as other destinations of election, since May that multiply demonstrations that bring together thousands of people on different islands, exposing a growing malaise between the local population and visitors, especially British.
The marches, organized under the motto “Canaryes have a limit”, have occurred in a coordinated manner and aim to draw attention to the risks of environmental, social and economic collapse. Among the main complaints are the degradation of natural spaces, the sharp rise in housing prices and the overcrowding of services and infrastructure, according to the Spanish newspaper As.
Housing and environmental pressure is aggravated
Protest organizers warn that, without structural changes, the archipelago can reach a break. The resident population accuses tourism of causing affordable houses at the same time, while denouncing the conversion of real estate into short -lived housing, directed to international visitors.
Platforms like Airbnb are at the center of criticism, with many to blame them for real estate speculation. The phenomenon led to a decrease in supply for permanent housing and increasing cases of forced residents to abandon the areas where they always lived.
Mediaism arrives in the United Kingdom
The discontent of the local inhabitants quickly surpassed the Spanish borders. British communication agencies such as Mailonline reported the demonstrations and collected reactions of frequent tourists, many of whom showed surprise and even displeasure with the contestation.
Dave Dott, a usual 60-year-old visitor, said: “This island will sink that the protesters win. Without tourism, the island has nothing.” From its perspective, it is “a small but noisy minority” that ignores the importance of the service sector for the local economy.
Cases that shake the relationship between visitors and residents
Among the British who considered changing their vacation plans is the couple Olwyn and Dave Hughes, both 71. Concerned about the climate of hostility, they admit to changing the cannaries for another European destination. “If we don’t feel welcome, let’s go to Greece,” said Dave Hughes quoted by, pointing out similarities to the situation lived in Cornwall, also marked by tourism pressure on the real estate market.
Concern also with the environment
In addition to the economic impact, protests have highlighted concrete cases of environmental destruction. Rubén Pérez of the Save La Tejita movement publicly required the suspension of new constructions in sensitive areas. “They are destroying places like El Médano and the admitation of Adeje,” he said.
Debate on Tourism Limits gains strength
The growing contestation is polarizing opinions on the islands. On the one hand, those who see tourism as an irreplaceable pillar of the regional economy, on the other, who calls for more rigid regulation to protect natural resources and ensure decent living conditions for the local population.
Although the protests started a few months ago, the theme is still current and with increasing impact. The discussion about sustainable tourism in the cannaries has become central not only in Spain, but also in various European means, which carefully follow the evolution of the situation.
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