Huge turnout expected for protests against tourism model today in 15 locations

Over the last year, tens of thousands of residents across the Canary Islands have taken to the streets to protest against the current mass tourism and economic models in the archipelago, rallying under the slogan "The Canaries Have a Limit."

These demonstrations, spanning all of the islands, reflect growing concerns over the environmental, social, and economic impacts of overtourism on the archipelago. They are not aimed at tourists themselves, they are aimed at the Government, however, it is important that people realise this, as they automatically assume that we don’t want holidaymakers here, which is far from the truth.

A Strained Paradise

The Canary Islands, home to approximately 2.2 million people, welcomed nearly 18 million tourists in 2024, a figure that has steadily increased over the past decade. While tourism constitutes about 35% of the region's GDP and accounts for 40% of employment, residents argue that the current model is unsustainable and disproportionately benefits a select few.

These are the main pressing issues that they are protesting against:

• Housing Crisis: The lack of social housing, the problematic housing law affecting long-term lets, and foreign investment in short-term rentals catering to tourists has reduced the number of properties available for rent and has driven up housing prices, making it increasingly difficult for locals to find or afford accommodation.
• Environmental Degradation: The influx of visitors has strained natural resources, leading to concerns about water shortages in rural areas, waste management, and damage to delicate ecosystems.
• Cultural Erosion: Residents fear that the islands' unique cultural identity is being overshadowed by developments aimed solely at attracting tourists and not maintaining the islands’ heritage.

Calls for Sustainable Tourism

Activists are not opposing tourists directly or tourism outright, but are advocating for a more sustainable model that prioritises the well-being of residents and the environment. Their demands include:

• Moratorium on New Developments: Halting the construction of new hotels and resorts until comprehensive sustainability assessments are conducted, and roads, housing, and wage issues are addressed with real solutions.
• Tourist Tax Implementation: Introducing levies to fund infrastructure improvements and environmental conservation efforts.
• Regulation of Short-Term Rentals: Enforcing stricter controls on platforms like Airbnb to ensure housing remains accessible to locals.

British Resident Loses Everything as Motorhome Goes Up in Flames

A couple of weeks ago, we reported on a campervan fire in Los Cristianos, unaware of the situation of the owner, which highlights the extent of the effect that this housing crisis is having on people.

It turns out he is a 30-year British resident of Tenerife called Darren, who has worked in popular bars which thousands of holidaymakers will have been to over the years, and many will have got to know him. 

We spoke with Darren, and he gave us permission to publish his story to highlight why the protests are taking place and how the local community has pulled together to help and support him.

“After more than 30 years living and working in Tenerife, my life turned upside down when a fire destroyed my campervan, my home, leaving me with nothing but the clothes I was standing in. 

For years, I’ve been part of this community, working at places like The Flying Haggis, Danny’s Bar, Slow Boat restaurants, and Shakespeare’s Bar. Right now, I’m proud to work for Orange Badge, helping provide mobility scooters and equipment for people with disabilities.

But recently, soaring rents pushed me out of my apartment of 20 years, and with affordable rentals so hard to find, I took out a loan to buy a campervan, hoping it would be my home until things got better. Then, the fire took it all. 

I was at work when someone came into the workshop shouting ‘fire’ and rushed outside, but it was too late. All I could do was watch my life’s possessions go up in flames in the middle of the street.

My family, Julie, Tracy, Kelly, and Tony, are rallying around me, have given me somewhere to stay, and started a GoFundMe to help me rebuild my life as I still have the original loan to pay off and have to find somewhere else to live.

Thanks to many amazing donations, we’ve raised over £11,000 so far, which is incredibly overwhelming. Every penny will help replace my belongings and help me start again on the island I call home and still love. Thankyou for your support and helping to keep me going.”

For those of you that continue to comment, message us, and believe that the protests are against tourists, or to put it bluntly, you… NO. THIS IS WHY the protests are happening, and it’s about time you knew and realised that.

This is not an isolated case, it is a growing problem. There are hundreds of people of all ages and nationalities being forced out of their homes and now living in motorhomes, or shacks, or cars, or vans, or tents, or on the street, with nowhere to go. 

Without anywhere for the workers to live, who is going to take your order in a restaurant, serve your drinks in a bar, or clean your hotel room? This is happening now and will cause even bigger problems for visitors to the islands if the situation is not addressed and sorted quickly.

Darren hasn’t had government support; his friends, fellow residents, and holidaymakers who know him have supported and donated to help him.

If you would like to donate, please go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-darren-get-a-new-home