The rapid growth of mass tourism on the Canary Islands has sparked concerns among islanders about rising prices and the loss of nature. According to a report by Fundación Canarina, the number of tourists visiting the islands has increased from 11.5 million to 16 million annually over the past decade. This influx of visitors has put a strain on local resources and led to higher costs for many residents, including some who have had to sell their homes due to financial difficulties.
In response to these challenges, activists from the local group Canarias se agota have organized a hunger strike to protest against mass tourism and its negative impact on the environment and local communities. They are calling on other residents to support them by forming human chains that will send a message to the government.
To address these concerns, officials from the Autonomous region of the Canary Islands have proposed a dialogue involving politicians, researchers, and citizens to develop a sustainable tourism strategy. The Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jessica de Leon, has also suggested introducing legislation that will regulate vacation home rentals in order to better manage this growing industry.
The challenges faced by the Canary Islands are not unique – other tourist destinations around the world are also grappling with similar issues. In Barcelona, for example, new hotels and apartments for tourist accommodation have been banned in the city center in an effort to limit overcrowding and protect local residents’ quality of life. Venice has also implemented measures such as restricting visitor numbers and introducing fees for day visits in order to preserve its unique cultural heritage and prevent further damage caused by tourism-related activities.
As concerns about mass tourism continue to grow, it is clear that finding a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation is crucial for maintaining the natural beauty of these popular destinations in the long term. Only time will tell whether proposed solutions like those being considered in Spain will be enough
