The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has called for "common sense" from those protesting against tourism in the archipelago, emphasising that it is the "main source of employment and wealth."
Clavijo, who admitted that the regional government is concerned about the organisation of such demonstrations, as well as the harassment or insults directed at those "who come to enjoy, spend a few days, and leave their money in the Canary Islands," stressed the need to "act responsibly" in this matter.
"What we cannot do is attack our main source of employment and wealth because it would be irresponsible," he pointed out in statements to journalists, emphasising that what needs to be done "is to exercise common sense and calmness," while refusing to address tourismophobia.
Reactions continue to unfold in the British media regarding the alleged "tourismophobia" and are completely missing the point as to why the protests are taking place, or are ignoring the reason why the protests are taking place.
The protests are for a more sustainable tourism model in the Canary Islands and not aimed directly at holidaymakers, although it is easy to see why they perceive that.
The latest media is the popular ITV program, Good Morning Britain. During the show on Tuesday, the hosts asked viewers: “In light of recent events, would it be appropriate to boycott Tenerife in the upcoming summer season?”
One of the contributors said that Brits should go elsewhere as Tenerife doesn’t want us, whereas another tried to explain that what is being requested from the locals is "respect" for both natural spaces and "local traditions," and is not about wanting no tourists.
However, in a live vote conducted during the program, 53% of respondents said NO to boycotting Tenerife, while 47% were in favour. Its good to see that over half of those who did vote can see the real reasons and aren’t swayed by the mainline press sensationalising the situation.
