Canary Islands: Mass demonstrations against tourism

Last weekend there were large demonstrations by the local population in various places in the Canary Islands. They took to the streets against mass tourism.

The Canary Islands are considered an extremely popular holiday destination, but also absolutely overcrowded with tourists. The fact that new hotels are to be built doesn't seem to suit everyone. The participants are also upset that the private rental of rooms, holiday apartments and fincas is only very loosely controlled by the authorities. In this segment, a lot of things would go unlicensed and bypass the tax authorities.

What is required is that tourism be regulated. Among other things, it is pointed out that around 2,2 million people live on the islands, but last year alone there were around 14 million tourists - and the trend is rising rapidly. The police say that around 20.000 people took part in the demonstrations. The organizers are even talking about 50.000 participants.