The influx of tourists has caused a housing crisis in Tenerife, with many residents struggling to find affordable accommodation. Yesterday, thousands of people gathered to protest the impact of tourism on the availability and cost of housing for local residents.
The protesters were not targeting tourists themselves, but the tourism industry as a whole, which accounts for a significant portion of the economy in the Canary archipelago. They called for temporary limits to be placed on tourism in order to address the rising number of short-term vacation rentals and hotel construction that is contributing to the housing crisis on the island.
The demonstration was aimed at bringing attention to the need for changes in the way tourism is managed in order to better benefit the local population and protect affordable housing. With a population of 2.2 million residents, the Canary Islands saw nearly 14 million foreign tourists visit last year, a 13 percent increase from the previous year. This rapid growth has raised concerns about its impact on local communities and the need for sustainable practices to ensure well-being for residents in Tenerife and beyond.
