Canary Island groups are planning a demonstration on April 20th, under the slogan “Canarias tiene un límite, Por un cambio de modelo!” (the Canary Islands have a limit. For a change of model!) against the current tourism development model and call for better conservation of natural spaces.
The main demonstration is scheduled for 12 midday on Saturday, April 20th, at 12:00 midday, starting from Plaza Weyler in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, at the bandstand in the Parque Ramírez Cerda on Arrecife’s seafront in Lanzarote with other protests in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
The organisers include ATAN, Salvar La Tejita, Salvar Tenerife, Fundación Telesforo Bravo-Juan Coello, Salvar El Puertito, Tabona, Plataforma Los Silos-Isla Baja, Asociación Abeque, Red Asirem, Coordinadora El Rincón, Rebelión Científica and ADC- Asamblea en Defensa de Nuestra Tierra (ADNT).
The protests are critical of authorities approving new hotel developments and considering projects that could exacerbate overcrowding in already popular tourist areas
Initiatives to limit tourist presence, such as controlling access to protected natural spaces, have been rejected by local administrations and political parties, despite concerns about environmental impacts and overdevelopment.
Tenerife has seen a record-breaking number of tourists, with over 6.5m visitors in 2023, but iconic places like Teide and Anaga are facing collapse due to overcrowding, leading to concerns of over tourism.
Canarian President Fernando Clavijo expressed concern at the demonstrations and said “tourists who come to our island and spend money should not be told off. It would be irresponsible to attack an activity that is our main source of employment and wealth.”
Minister of Tourism for the Tenerife Cabildo, Lope Afonso, said “Tenerife is an island in good shape economically, leading this growth in the Archipelago, but it is subject to weaknesses and threats. We must focus on improving weaknesses and avoid triumphalism. This leadership generated through the increase in tourism activity must be responsible.“
