Friday, May 16, 2025

The Canary Islands are once again on the brink of significant travel disruption as thousands of local residents prepare to take to the streets in protest against what they describe as an “unsustainable” tourism model. The protests, scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2025, come amid growing frustration following a record-breaking influx of visitors to the archipelago in the previous year. The demonstrations are being organized to demand sweeping reforms aimed at addressing the economic, environmental, and social impacts of tourism on the islands.

This unrest reflects a broader global trend where popular travel destinations face backlash from local communities over concerns of overtourism, environmental degradation, and cultural dilution. The Canary Islands, famed for their volcanic landscapes, beaches, and vibrant culture, have seen increasing tensions between residents and tourists, creating challenges for travelers, the tourism industry, and local authorities alike.

Protest organizers and activists, including members of the Canarian diaspora abroad, have called for urgent changes to the region’s tourism approach. Central to their demands is a call to halt “exploitative economic models” that prioritize rapid tourism growth at the expense of residents’ quality of life and environmental sustainability. Among the key points raised are:

An organizer highlighted the protesters’ determination, warning that if their voices were ignored on the streets, they would continue to make their concerns known in everyday life, emphasizing the seriousness of local dissatisfaction.

The protests are planned to take place across 15 areas throughout the Canary Islands, signaling widespread unrest. The primary protest locations and times on Sunday, May 18, 2025, are:

Travelers planning visits to the Canary Islands during this period are advised to exercise caution and consider avoiding these areas to minimize disruptions and ensure personal safety. Local authorities and tourism operators are expected to provide updated guidance closer to the event date.

These protests are part of a growing wave of anti-tourist sentiment that has been simmering in Spain and other popular destinations globally. The Canary Islands have experienced increasingly vocal criticism from locals who feel that tourism’s rapid expansion has exacerbated housing shortages, inflated living costs, and strained public infrastructure.

In recent months, the situation has escalated to alarming levels. In March 2025, a disturbing sign with the phrase “Kill A Tourist” appeared in Tenerife, symbolizing the depth of local frustration. Additionally, there were reports of anonymous activists setting fire to rental cars commonly used by tourists to explore the islands, further intensifying concerns about safety and stability.

In response to growing unrest, Spain’s government has enacted new legislation aimed at curbing the impact of short-term holiday rentals, which are seen as contributing significantly to the housing crisis in tourist hotspots. The revised Horizontal Property Act now requires property owners to obtain approval from 60% of their neighbors before converting homes into holiday rentals through platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

This regulation has introduced strict limitations on the ability of homeowners to rent out their properties for tourism purposes. Violators face potential legal action and enforcement measures, intended to preserve housing availability for permanent residents and ease community tensions. The regulation is expected to impact the rental market significantly, influencing accommodation options and prices for travelers.

The looming protests and regulatory changes pose both challenges and opportunities for the travel and tourism sectors in the Canary Islands. From an industry perspective, managing the balance between sustaining tourism growth and addressing local concerns is critical.

Challenges include:

However, these challenges also present opportunities for stakeholders to innovate and lead in sustainable tourism. By aligning with the demands for eco-friendly practices, cultural preservation, and community involvement, the tourism industry can develop new products and marketing strategies appealing to responsible travelers.

Operators may also benefit from promoting lesser-known locations within the archipelago that offer authentic experiences away from crowded hotspots, thus dispersing tourist flows more evenly.

The situation in the Canary Islands echoes a global trend where popular destinations face pushback from residents concerned about the social, environmental, and economic effects of overtourism. Cities and regions worldwide are grappling with how to regulate tourist influx while maintaining vibrant local cultures and economies.

Travelers are increasingly aware of these issues and may seek destinations that demonstrate responsible tourism policies. The Canary Islands protests underscore the importance of sustainable tourism development, where community voices are integrated into planning and management.

As governments worldwide introduce similar regulations to control short-term rentals, implement tourist taxes, and protect natural resources, travelers will encounter evolving landscapes that require adaptability and awareness.

Travelers considering visits to the Canary Islands during periods of unrest or regulatory change should:

By taking these precautions, travelers can better navigate uncertainties and enjoy the unique attractions of the Canary Islands safely.

The upcoming anti-tourism protests across multiple locations in the Canary Islands represent a critical moment for the archipelago’s future as a global tourism hotspot. While frustrations over housing, environmental concerns, and economic impacts are driving calls for reform, the tourism sector remains a vital contributor to the region’s economy.

The Canary Islands’ ability to balance sustainable tourism growth with community well-being will be essential in maintaining its appeal to international visitors. The travel industry must engage proactively with local stakeholders to foster solutions that benefit both residents and travelers.

As global awareness of overtourism’s challenges grows, the Canary Islands case serves as a reminder that responsible tourism requires collaboration, innovation, and respect for the social and environmental contexts of destinations.