The Canary Islands, a top destination with millions of tourists each year, tackles growing frustration from locals who find visitors behave poorly, especially from tourists in the UK. I'm here.
Nestl Marello Rodriguez, secretary of the Tenerif FreeFriends of Nature Society, told Euroneus:
He added that it often exacerbates these issues and exacerbates violence.
This sentiment is reflected by many locals who claim that they are not “anti-visitors” but are increasingly burdened by the negative effects of certain tourist behavior.
Nearly 100 million foreign tourists visited Spain in 2024, with 30.5 million heading towards the Canary and Balearic Islands, but residents claimed that the benefits of tourism were not fooled by the local population. There is.
Guillermo, a local guide to Gran Canaria, emphasizes the need for respectful tourism. He points out that while many British tourists are respectful, a considerable number of people come only to the sun and cheap alcohol, leading to destructive behavior.
Guillermo emphasized that the islands are not theme parks, urging visitors to be aware of the locals who live there throughout the year.
The tension caused by overtourism is clear, and locals struggle to afford a home due to a surge in short-term rentals run by foreign companies.
Initially considered a boon, Airbnb contributes to gentrification and evacuation of local residents.
Future protests, including major ones in April 2025, aim to address these complaints and promote more sustainable tourism practices.
Residents like Guillermo and Nestor advocate for regulations on holiday rentals, improved infrastructure, and more support from local businesses.
They encourage tourists to respect natural reserves, avoid all inclusive resorts that do not benefit the local economy, and to support local businesses.
The Canary Islands will round out another visitor in 2025, so the call for responsible tourism has never been greater.
Locals hope that tourists, particularly from the UK, will plead for more respectful and mindful actions to maintain the island's beauty and ensure harmonious coexistence.
