Despite winter approaching, anti-tourism sentiment in Spain continues to grow. Recent vandalism at popular beaches in Tenerife saw over 230 sunbeds defaced with anti-tourism graffiti, causing damage estimated at €5,000. This incident is part of a larger trend of anti-tourism protests in the Canary Islands, where tens of thousands of residents have taken to the streets to demand limits on what they see as uncontrolled development harming the environment and their way of life. Some activists have even resorted to hunger strikes to halt construction projects in popular tourist areas.
Protests have spread beyond the Canary Islands to other Spanish tourist destinations, including the Balearic Islands, Alicante, Barcelona, and the south coast. While many demonstrations have been peaceful, there have been reports of foreigners being harassed and intimidated, and even instances of vandalism such as lock boxes smeared with feces in Seville. Efforts have been made to address the concerns of anti-tourism protestors, with measures such as banning short-term tourist apartments in Barcelona, capping the number of cruise liners in Palma de Mallorca, and limiting visitors to national parks in Tenerife.
While protestors insist they are not against tourism itself, but rather the unchecked expansion of the industry, locals are concerned about the rising housing costs, environmental impact, and strain on public services caused by tourism. Many feel that the economic benefits of tourism do not sufficiently benefit the local community, with much of the profits flowing out of Spain. This discontent is reflected in high poverty and social exclusion rates in the Canary Islands, with 34% of residents at risk of poverty or social exclusion, the highest figure in Spain after Andalucia.
Despite these concerns, not all locals are opposed to tourism. Some, like restaurant owner Augusto Ferreira, have organized counter-protests to highlight the importance of tourism to the local economy. The Spanish National Statistics Institute reported a significant increase in tourist visits to the Canary Islands in 2023, with 14 million international tourists bringing a record-breaking 20 billion euros to the islands. It remains to be seen how authorities and local residents will navigate the complex issues surrounding tourism in Spain, finding a balance between economic benefits and sustainable development.
