The British are said to “stop” in the Canary Islands this weekend before huge anti-tourism protests are held across the archipelago and mainland cities across the Spanish mainland. On Sunday, organizers say up to 132,000 people will be venting their frustration at the excess tourism from Plaza Wailer in Santa Cruz, Tenerife's capital. Ivan, who wanted to be featured by his name alone, is an activist in the protests and a member of the local environmental organization Atan. He told the Express:
“The influx of visitors combined new residents-based infrastructure such as public transport, waste management, and water supply, while contributing to environmental pollution and degradation. The system provides minimal benefits to local residents, perpetuating issues such as poverty and vulnerability, and promotes urban development projects and corruption.”
Activists told people on holidays elsewhere from the UK. Ivan added:
“This unsustainable model needs to be stopped to rebuild a more balanced and fair tourism industry focused on improving the quality of life for its residents and maintaining the environment.
“Only then we can reverse the damage and move towards a more sustainable future for the island.”
This is as Tenerife and other popular Canary Islands approach the introduction of a new controversial tourism tax.
Fernando Clavyho, president of the Canary Islands and Secretary of State for the Canary Islands Union, opened the door to the proposal.
Protesters issued 10 requests for a “fair, sustainable, people-centered model,” including the immediate suspension of so-called “illegal hotels” in Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzaroto.
Furthermore, there are areas, or social purposes, which require residential laws that guarantee fundamental rights such as housing, healthcare, and social cohesion, energy model housing laws that “prioritize the needs of local communities, respect ecosystems, and avoid focusing on large corporations,” and which avoid “protection of natural spaces” to monitor natural spaces that monitor natural spaces that monitor natural spaces.”
Additionally, activists want to see “ecosystem restoration and food and energy sovereignty.” This is the end of “megaprojects” such as railways, road expansions, ports, airports, and more “designed to further increase tourist and population pressures.”
Finally, protesters want to see better “protection of cultural and social heritage,” and hope for measures to combat “sea-contaminated discharges,” as well as the creation of environmental restoration laws.
Complete list of protest locations
Canary Islands
Tenerife – Plaza Wailer, Santa Cruz Gran Canaria – Auditorio Alfredo Claus, Las Palmaslanzaroto – Chiosco de la Mucica, Aleshferuerteventura – Plaza de la Iglesia, Puerto del Rosario El Hiero – Consgeria de Toulam de la la Samba Powermacruz de la Palmala Gomera – Plaza de la Amaicas
Mainland Spain
Barcelona – Sagrada Family Mamadrid – Puerta del Sol Granada – Plaza Santa Ana Valencia – Plaza del Ayunta Amiento Bilbao – Plaza Teatro Ariaga Pampurna (Iruna)
Germany
Berlin – Palizerplatz (Brandenburg Gate)
