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Spain: demonstrations to protest against overtourism in the Canary Islands
Overtourism is increasing in Europe, and transforming many small paradises into hell. In Spain, the Canary Islands are suffocating, and the inhabitants are rebelling.
(France 2)
Overtourism is increasing in Europe, and transforming many small paradises into hell. In Spain, the Canary Islands are suffocating, and the inhabitants are rebelling.
From the beaches of Las Palmas to the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spaniards mobilized in numbers to denounce mass tourism, which they believe threatens the Canary Islands. “The Canaries are not for sale”the crowd sang. “We are not against tourism. We are against a mass model that has led to the degradation of our land and our people”explains a demonstrator.
Venice and Athens also affected
The demonstrators no longer want cruise ships and low-cost companies, which pour in floods of foreign tourists every year: 14 million in 2023. They also refuse to have their coasts paved with hotel complexes. “Second homes are invading our villages, which is driving up rent prices and young people are no longer able to find housing”indicates a man.
In Italy, Venice also faces overtourism, with 30 million visitors each year. Since 2021, cruise ships have been banned from the historic center, and day tourists will pay a tax of 5 euros from spring. Athens (Greece) also wants to limit mass tourism and limits the gauges of historic sites.
