Growing tourism backlash in the Canary Islands may change travel. Rising concerns about over-tourism may bring restrictions and impact Irish visitors.
Last year, 15.5 million international tourists visited. Tenerife had over 6.2 million international visitors and 900,000 domestic visitors. Gran Canaria saw nearly 4 million overseas tourists. Many Irish families love Lanzarote for summer.
Thousands of locals protested “over-tourism” last year. They felt it negatively impacted their lives.
Residents protested with “Canary Islands has a limit” signs, gathering at busy tourist spots. They wanted to send a message to visitors.
Protesters want changes including a temporary ban on holiday homes, which they believe could stop rising property prices for locals. They suggest a tourist tax for foreign visitors, with the goal of better protected area care. They also want higher wages and fairer distribution of tourism wealth. A new hotel development ban might be added.
Gran Canaria’s local government asked locals for input, seeking their views on the future of tourism on the island. The consultation happened in late February.
Residents want changes to tourism. Many want to limit new hotels and rentals, believing it will ease pressure. Resources and housing would be protected.
They also proposed schemes to protect Gran Canaria’s nature. Projects harming the environment should stop.
The consultation could impact the tourism industry. Tourism contributes about 35 percent of the island’s GDP.
No hotel ban exists yet, and no decisions have been made. This rule could raise prices, as higher demand and lower availability are possible.
Other places face similar issues. Many countries near the Mediterranean are protesting. Malaga city started some “tourist bans,” blocking new holiday rental licenses.
