Mass tourism in the Canary Islands sparks protests over unsanitary conditions
Thousands of locals all over the Canary Islands marched through their streets in protest at mass tourism, urging their government to act to save their community and surroundings. Protests were seen right around Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, with more than 7,000 on Santa Cruz de Tenerife's streets alone. Spurred by “The Canary Islands Have a Limit” group, the protests were calling for increasing outrage at increasing house prices, destruction of the environment, and tourism strain on public resources.They marched with placards that said "The Canary Islands are not for sale" and "Enough is enough," demanding an end to new tourism development, a tourist tax, and greater protection of natural parks. Locals argued that although tourism is a significant part of the economy, it's increasingly being enjoyed by large businesses and foreign investors at the cost of residents who are priced out and underpaid.The Canarian Trade Union Federation organized the demonstrations, calling for a more equitable distribution of tourist revenue to better lives for over 170,000 industry workers. Organizers say the government has been in denial of previous warnings and is preparing more measures, sit-ins, and boycotts this summer.For others, it's no longer about tourism anymore—it's about protecting their homeland and taking back control of its destiny.
Sources News: https://inews.co.uk/news/tourists-thousands-protest-mass-tourism-canary-islands-3700682
