Strong protests against Overurism in the Canary Islands: the residents say enough and take to the square

The Canary Islands they rebel against the weight of the mass tourism. Last Sunday, in fact, thousands of citizens took to the streets to ask for a Urgent change of the tourist model which, according to many, stands kneeling local communities. The events took place in all the main islands of the archipelago and also reached some cities of continental Spain, all united by the slogan: “Canaries have a limit“.

The main problem? The growing imbalance between the number of visitors and the resident population. Each month they come further a million foreign touristswhile the inhabitants of the Canaries are about 2.2 million. A relationship that feeds structural problems that are now difficult to ignore: Prices of stars houses, congested traffic And Public services under pressureespecially during the high season.

Many residents also report the deterioration of water resources and local ecosystemsmore and more stressed by tourist pressure. But there are also those who are directly affected by tourism -related building projects. This is the case of a hotelier in Tenerife who tells how his family risks losing a small private property due to the expropriation for a new one luxury hotel complex.

Ordered the removal of about 66,000 ads on Airbnb not compliant with regulations

In addition, the phenomenon of residential tourism helps to worsen the situation. THE’Uncontrolled increase in short rents and tourist accommodationoften illegal, pushed the Spanish government to order the removal of about 66,000 ads on Airbnb not compliant with regulations. According to Minister Pablo Bustinty, these activities violate fundamental rules on the housing destination and feed the crisis.

The paradox is evident: tourism represents one of the main economic sources of the archipelago, but his Management without limits He risks making the same locations unlivable that attract millions of visitors. Some accuse the regional government of wanting to continue building without reflecting on the long -term impact. “We do not think about the quality of tourism, but only the quantity”, They denounce.

Meanwhile, local institutions have flown to Brussels to look for European funding intended for projects of accessible constructionbut citizens ask for one more step: one Sustainable tourist policycapable of balanced economics, environment and rights of the inhabitants.