British holidaymakers are reportedly abandoning their favourite sunspots in the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, following a European Union rule change that limits their stay to 90 days. The post-Brexit regulation, strictly enforced by Spanish authorities, has left many UK nationals frustrated and considering returning home.
At the same time, thousands of Canary Island locals have taken to the streets to protest against the negative impact of tourism. Signs reading 'We don't want to see our island die' and 'Canaries not for sale' were visible during demonstrations aimed at curbing short-term holiday rentals and hotel developments that are driving up housing costs for residents.
One protester in Santa Cruz de Tenerife explained, 'It's not a message against the tourist, but against a tourism model that doesn't benefit this land and needs to be changed.' Another demonstrator, Antonio Bullon, added, 'The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious.'
The president of the Canary Islands acknowledged that while tourism is vital, more controls are necessary. The islands, home to two million residents, see far more visitors each year, intensifying local discontent.
