Overtourism in the Canary Islands: Locals Push Back Against Chaos and Inequality

Date:

Share post:

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.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

 

Popular

Related articles

Ryanair Increases Free Cabin Bag Size: Is It Finally Enough?

Ryanair is adding a few extra centimetres to your free cabin bag — let’s see who actually wins...

Bali’s New Tourist Rules 2025: Fines, Bans, and Instant Deportation for Bad Behaviour

Looks like Bali has officially run out of patience for misbehaving tourists. If you think you can party,...

Train vs Plane: Eurostar to Geneva & Frankfurt – What’s Faster in 2025?

Eurostar launches new Europe routes: direct trains London → Frankfurt & Geneva. Plane or train? Let’s compare. Eurostar has...

Albania Just Got Closer: New International Airport Opens in Vlora

Vlora, a fast-growing Mediterranean beach destination on the Albanian Riviera, now has its own international airport! The first...