Tourism Booms but Residents of the Canary Islands Cry for Balance

The Canary Islands are facing a paradox that is becoming increasingly common in tourist destinations around the world. While tourism contributes more than 35% of the GDP and drives the entire productive fabric of the third most popular Spanish destination by number of visitors, many locals are questioning if there are already too many tourists arriving. This concern grows with each family that has to leave their neighborhood due to rising housing prices, each time they encounter crowded hospital emergencies or with each new hotel project that threatens the landscape.

In response to this, a historic demonstration took place on the seven islands of the archipelago under the motto “The Canary Islands have a limit.” 57,000 people took to the streets to demand measures such as an ecotax, a moratorium on new projects or greater regulation of home purchases. The protest was not against tourism itself but against the negative impacts of overdevelopment and poor planning. Despite record-breaking tourism figures, the archipelago faces challenges such as low salaries, high unemployment rates, inflation and the risk of poverty.

The Canarian Government has acknowledged the need to rethink its tourism model and has imposed tourist caps, meeting some of the protesters’ demands. However, critics remain skeptical about the industry’s willingness to change. The island also faces a housing crisis with increasing prices driving locals out of their neighborhoods. To address these pressures on the local population and economy, legislation has been introduced to regulate vacation home rentals but more needs to be done.

Despite these challenges, tourism remains a vital part of the economy in the Canary Islands providing jobs and prosperity for region. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that sustainable tourism practices and a balanced approach are necessary as mass tourism continues to impact this beautiful archipelago.