Protests against over-tourism took place at a popular resort
Tengrinews.kz – Tens of thousands of people across the Canary Islands took to the streets to protest against over-tourism and its consequences, according to Euronews.
On the island of Tenerife, one of the most popular, about 30,000 protesters took to the streets.
Residents of the archipelago talk about the destructive impact of tourism on the environment and on their well-being, including due to rising housing prices.
"It is not normal that we the Canary Islanders have to leave our land to be able to live comfortably. They ignore us as if we don't exist and don't matter," they are indignant.
The protesters say that the government is ignoring the situation and is not taking any action, and are demanding radical changes in the economic model of the Canary Islands.
They emphasize that they are not against tourism as such, but against the politicians and businessmen who have brought the situation to this level.
In 2023, nearly 14 million tourists visited the Canary Islands, which has a resident population of just over 2.25 million. Moreover, tourism revenue accounts for more than a third of the region's GDP.
Previously, tourists in Spain may be fined up to 750 euros for violating etiquette rules.