Irish Travelers Cautioned Amid Canary Islands Protest Against Tourism

Mass protests are being staged on the Canary Islands and other popular Spanish holiday spots, calling on the government to crack down on tourism, citing "overpopulation" and other issues, as reported by RSVP Live.

It is claimed by locals that the spike in tourist numbers and the availability of short-term holiday rentals is causing housing prices to skyrocket, as reported by Irish Mirror.

Photo Credit: X- @dilkie18

Irish Travelers Cautioned Amid Canary Islands Protest

Protests are being staged, with signs being held by some protestors with messages such as 'Stop Hotels' and 'Canaries Not for Sale'. The Canary Islands are of a particularly large focus in these protests. The islands consist of eight different islands - Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Graciosa.

Nearly 14 million foreign visitors were seen in the archipelago in 2023, an increase of 13 per cent from the previous year, with a population of 2.2 million people. The Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature, who are behind some of the protests, explained their position on the matter, as per an Irish Mirror report.

"Voices will be heard calling out against the destruction of natural spaces, as well as others suggesting a halt to overpopulation, complaining against the illegal construction of dwellings on non-urban land and the excessive occupation of the territory, or warning of the abusive use of holiday rentals and the massive sale of land and properties for speculative use," they said.

The concern about the protests has been expressed by Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo due to the importance of tourism to the area, asking people not to cancel their holidays. "We are worried because tourism is our main source of income and I think that whoever comes here to enjoy, to spend a few days and to leave their money in the Canary Islands, shouldn't be rebuked or face insults," he said.

Discussions are being held about introducing a €3-per-night charge for tourists, an idea which Mr Clavijo has not entirely ruled out, stating that he is "willing to discuss" its terms. The Canary Tourist Board is also asking holidaymakers to still come to the islands. "In terms of tourists, the situation they see on the eight islands is normal," they said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is yet to publicly comment on the protests taking place in the Canary Islands, however, it was noted that in regards to Spain, "public gatherings and demonstrations can at times take place with little or no warning", as reported. People in these circumstances are advised to "stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities".