Brits have been slapped with a new travel warning as tensions escalate in Tenerife over tourism woes. The Canary Island has been plunged into chaos recently as locals protest against what they term “overtourism”, with British holidaymakers often bearing the brunt of their anger.
Back in April, activists threatened a novel form of protest, viewed as a drastic step necessary to express their desperation, reports the Mirror. However, the strike was eventually called off after officials showed “zero interest” in their plight, according to the protesters.
Concurrently, over 50,000 people took to the streets of Tenerife, brandishing signs reading: “You enjoy, we suffer”. The demonstrators argue while Brits and other European tourists revel in the beauty of their homeland, they are left grappling with severe poverty and housing shortages.
The hunger strikers, who are part of the “Canarias se exhausta” campaign group, initially stated they had “no choice”. Their statement read: “If we have reached this point it is because we have no other choice and because of the serious faults that our bad Government of the Canary Islands is committing.”
They added “the responsibility for what could ultimately happen” with the hunger strike “would be the same government that forced us to take this desperate measure“. The group said the hunger strike and the April 20 protest were both driven by “despair”.
Residents of the Canary Islands have voiced their deep concerns, stating: “Why do we want rulers who do not want to see what kind of consumed and worn out, violated and torn islands we are going to leave to our daughters and sons? ” They continued with a stark warning: “We would put our lives at risk, but you risk our future and that of the new generations.”
The local population is calling for urgent action amid fears the region’s economy might “collapse” due to the unsustainable pressures of tourism. Experts recently warned the islands, a favourite destination for British holidaymakers, are teetering on the brink of ruin because of rampant urban development driven by the tourist industry.
These Spanish islands, located off the coast of Africa, include popular UK holiday spots such as Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria. One islander has pointed the finger at the economic devastation caused by short-term holiday lets, particularly those arranged via platforms like Airbnb.
Nicola Quinn, an expert from the Moving to Spain website who has lived in Tenerife for two decades, highlighted the issue of illegal Airbnb properties making life on the islands “unsustainable”. However, she also recognises tourism isn’t the only factor and notes the construction of large hotels can be beneficial by providing employment for residents.
Nicola, speaking to the Daily Star, explained: “Significant tourist growth across many of the Canary Islands has absolutely had a massive impact over the last decade. Huge resort complexes owned by international brands are popping up wherever there’s any room left. These hotels are great because they create jobs for locals and, in the case of high-end luxury hotels, they attract high-spending tourists.”
She went on to say: “But these hotels are just one consequence of the Canaries’ boost in tourism. Due to the high demand for tourist accommodation and the lenient long-term rental laws that favour squatters, property owners would much rather rent their apartments to tourists on sites like Airbnb instead of locals. It’s safer for them and they can earn more money.”
Nicola further added: “This has caused an archipelago-wide housing crisis, where people who have jobs simply cannot afford to rent accommodation. Finding something as simple as a studio for under €1,000 (£856) per month is practically impossible unless you can afford to pay for 12 months’ rent upfront.”
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