the Canary Islands demonstrate against overtourism

From the beaches of Las Palmas to the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, thousands of people demonstrated on the Canary Islands on Saturday April 20. The Spanish are mobilizing in numbers to oppose mass tourism which they believe threatens the islands. “The Canaries are not for sale”, the crowd chanted. “Our resources, our population can no longer take it. Our environment continues to deteriorate,” explains a protester.

A demonstration against Airbnb

The people mobilized oppose the huge cruise ships and the low-cost companies that dump streams of tourists on the beaches every year. In 2023, 14 million tourists came to the Canary Islands. The protesters no longer want their coasts to be concreted and invaded by hotel complexes. They are particularly opposed to Airbnb rentals. “Second homes are invading our villages, which is driving up rent prices and young people are no longer able to find housing.“, explains a man.