Residents of the Canary Islands are facing challenges due to overtourism, with activists reporting locals being forced to sleep in their cars and caves. The unsustainable influx of visitors is negatively impacting residents’ quality of life in the holiday hotspot, with soaring house prices making it difficult for locals to afford housing. In response to the construction of two new hotels, one activist group on the island of Tenerife has planned a hunger strike, and demonstrations and strikes are being planned across the archipelago in protest against the negative impacts of tourism.
Residents on the Canary Islands, particularly in Tenerife, are organizing protests and strikes to push back against overtourism and the construction of new hotels. The Canarias Se Agota and Canaries Sold Out groups are leading the charge, with a hunger strike planned over two new hotel developments. Residents are calling for more sustainable tourism practices, as the islands are struggling to cope with the overwhelming influx of visitors. Locals are facing challenges such as exorbitant rental prices, forcing some to live in their cars and even caves due to housing shortages.
The pressure from mass tourism on the Canary Islands has led to social and environmental challenges, with nearly 34% of the local population at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Activists are warning that the islands are “collapsing socially and environmentally” under the weight of tourism. The health services, waste management, water supplies, and biodiversity of the islands are all under strain due to the floods of holidaymakers. Local organizations are urging for more sustainable tourism practices to alleviate the pressure on resources and protect the well-being of residents.
Residents on the Canary Islands have taken matters into their own hands by putting up fake ‘closed to overcrowding’ signs and stickers in overcrowded areas to deter tourists. Signs reading ‘Do not enter’ and anti-tourism graffiti have appeared near popular beauty spots, with some areas even being chained off. Activists are calling for a boycott of tourist activities that are pushing locals out of their own land, highlighting the impact of tourism on their daily lives. The backlash against overtourism is growing among residents who are taking action to protect their homes and environment.
The Canaries Sold Out group is advocating for more sustainable tourism practices and better protection for local residents who are struggling to afford housing. With limited resources and overcrowded roads, the Canary Islands are facing challenges in accommodating the growing number of tourists. Residents are calling for a balance between tourism and local life, as they feel the islands are reaching their limit in terms of visitor numbers. The hunger strike and demonstrations planned by activists are a form of protest against the negative impacts of tourism on the islands.
The activism and protests against overtourism on the Canary Islands highlight the urgent need for more sustainable tourism practices and better protections for local residents. The influx of visitors has put pressure on resources and services, leading to challenges such as housing shortages and environmental degradation. Residents are taking a stand against the construction of new hotels and the unsustainable growth of tourism on the islands. The protests and strikes are a call for action to address the negative impacts of tourism and ensure a better future for the residents of the Canary Islands.
