New Canary Islands possible rules for Brits after 'overtourism' protests and anti-visitor graffiti

Amid protests over "overtourism", UK holidaymakers could face new rules in the Canary Islands. Lanzarote, Tenerife and other islands saw thousands of locals holding demonstrations over the weekend, voicing their frustration due to the increased influx of Brits.

An increasing anti-tourist movement has been surging across the Canary Islands as locals declare "enough is enough". They're cautioning that when it comes to tourism, the Canary Islands "have a limit".

Local residents have taken action by expressing their disapproval through anti-tourism graffiti and local campaigns demonstrating against the surge of Brits at this beloved holiday spot. British tourists are being warned that the increase in holidaymakers is driving up local housing prices and availability is becoming scarcer.

The seven main Canary Islands, which house 2.2 million people, welcomed nearly 14 million international visitors in 2023 a rise of 13 per cent from the year before. In response to the growing number of tourists, the local authorities are considering implementing new regulations and limitations, reports Birmingham Live.

Visitor numbers

Rosa Davila, the first female president of Tenerife, proposed setting limits on visitor numbers. Speaking about the issue, she stated: "In addition, there have to be limits to prevent tourism from overflowing."

Tourism, which makes up 35% of the Canary Islands' gross domestic product (GDP), is under scrutiny as demonstrators demand changes to the industry. Protests took place across Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and La Palma on Saturday.

Eco-tax

Davila has suggested a new tourism model that would see visitors charged a fee to access natural spaces. She also wants to "modulate" the number of tourists arriving in Tenerife and "study the impact of demographic growth. Following the mass protests, she said: "We must analyze the exceptionalities that can be applied in a territory as fragile and limited as ours.

What is clear is that Tenerife cannot be a theme park. Those who visit us have to value and respect our natural and cultural wealth, our resources, and they have to be clear about the rules for their preservation.

Daily tax

The Canary Islands' President, Fernando Clavijo, has previously hinted at a daily charge for visitors. Although not currently included in plans, Clavijo said the government is open to considering a three euro per night charge. Last Friday, he stated: "It is true that the ecotax is not included in the government program, but it is also true that we are willing to discuss it; the government will always engage in dialogue. ".