British holidaymakers searching for a last bit of sun have been dealt a blow as they’re advised to avoid prime spots in Tenerife this weekend.
With the British summer firmly behind us, those keen to escape the dreary weather at home might find themselves facing unexpected tension abroad. A warning has been issued for tourists in Tenerife, urging them to keep their distance from popular areas due to planned anti-tourism demonstrations.
Throughout the year, Spain has seen a wave of protests in tourist hotspots like Majorca and the Canary Islands, with locals decrying the tourist influx that prices them out of their property market. As holiday homes are snapped up, residents find themselves increasingly marginalised.
This weekend promises to see further disruption thanks to new protests in a host of celebrated island spots such as Playa de las Americas in Tenerife – a swanky beach haunt beloved by sun-seekers.
Canarian Weekly disclosed via a TikTok video: “A warning if you are on holiday in the Canary Islands this weekend – there are going to be mass protests on the streets and the main tourist areas of Playa de las Americas, Corralejo, Puerto Del Carmen in Lanzarote, and of course, Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.
“These are against the government for mass tourism. After the demonstrations in April, when no action took place, protestors are now taking to the streets right in the middle of tourist areas. So keep your eyes open, try and keep away from them. There won’t be any trouble, there’ll be plenty of police, but it’s something that you need to be aware of and try and keep away from if you can.”
Commenters on the video expressed gratitude for the heads-up, acknowledging the importance of being informed about the planned protests. Yet, many stood by the protestors, clarifying their issue isn’t with tourism itself but with its management, ensuring it doesn’t overshadow the needs of locals.
One commenter clarified the sentiment: “They are not against tourism. It just has to be properly controlled. How would you like your domestic water turned off just so that holidaymakers can have a swimming pool?” Another chimed in: “Peaceful protests happen every day all over the world. They want tourists to boost the island’s income.”
Meanwhile, a British holidaymaker recounted her experience arriving in Majorca to find herself amid a sea of protestors with placards reading: “Too many tourists, too many cars, too many yachts, too many bicycles, too much waste, too much pollution. SOS residents.”
Kellie expressed her support for the local community in a TikTok video. She backed their demands for greater “control” to address the escalating “rental crisis”.
In the video, she stated: “A warm tourist welcome in Mallorca. 10,000 people gather in the streets of Palma to peacefully protest the Airbnbs and over crowds of tourists and rental problems… and probably many things I’m unaware of. (But I totally understand the rental crisis and there does need to be control over it).”