In 2024, the Canary Islands received 15.2 million tourists, which is 6.9 times the local population (2.2 million people). Most visitors come from the UK, France, and Germany, and tourism is a key industry for the region. However, locals are increasingly protesting against its negative impacts.
Main Issues
- Housing: The rise of short-term rentals (Airbnb) has made housing unaffordable for locals, forcing some to live in cars and trailers.
- Economy: The majority of tourism profits go to foreign companies rather than local residents.
- Ecology: Environmental degradation due to mass tourism – visitors stray from official trails, collect rocks and shells, and fly drones in protected areas.
- Tourist behavior: Excessive drinking, aggression, and lack of respect for locals and infrastructure.
What Are Authorities and Activists Doing?
- Starting April 3, 2025, residents will be able to vote on restrictions for short-term rentals in residential areas.
- Fines of up to €30,000 have been introduced for illegal rentals.
- Mass protests against overtourism are planned for April 2025.
- Activists urge tourists to avoid Airbnb and support local businesses – stay in locally owned hotels, eat at local restaurants, and book tours with Canarian guides.
What Can Tourists Do?
Guides and activists recommend:
✅ Follow the rules – don’t drive in restricted areas, don’t take natural objects, and don’t litter.
✅ Choose local accommodations and restaurants instead of all-inclusive resorts, where most profits go to large corporations.
✅ Visit museums, wineries, and cheese factories to support the local economy.
✅ Remember that the Canary Islands are not just a holiday resort but home to millions of people.
Locals are demanding fairer distribution of tourism profits, stronger environmental protection, and stricter rental regulations.
The key message: tourism is necessary, but it must be sustainable and beneficial for everyone.
Useful links for trip planning
- Aviasales – budget airline tickets worldwide.
- Booking.com – a familiar and convenient website for searching and booking accommodation worldwide.
- LocalRent – a website for searching and renting cars worldwide with the option of free booking cancellation.
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