Jet2 warns UK tourists that Lanzarote and Tenerife are playing 'dangerous game'

Jet2 warns UK tourists that Lanzarote and Tenerife are playing 'dangerous game'
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The chief of airline Jet2 has warned that the Canary Islands are "playing a dangerous game" following anti-tourism demonstrations. The warning from the airline, which flies out of Birmingham, comes to anyone planning to vist Lanzarote and Tenerife.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: "Anti-tourism protests and derogatory comments from local administrations make tourists feel unwelcome. People don't come to the Canaries to be mistreated or to witness protests.

"Such incidents tarnish the region's image, pushing tourists toward destinations like Turkey and Morocco, where they feel valued." He added: "Not everyone is rich, and many tourists simply want an affordable and relaxing holiday. If they feel unwanted, they’ll look elsewhere."

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Heapy said: "Rising taxes drive up the overall cost of holidays, reducing demand. While Mogán’s tax is small, it sets a dangerous precedent." He said: "Governments need to enforce existing regulations and focus on controlling illegal rentals rather than penalising compliant operators.

"They should also work with airlines and tour operators to promote the Canary Islands in key markets like the UK." It comes as shocking graffiti reading 'kill a tourist' has appeared in Tenerife amid Spain's ongoing protests against holidaymakers. The frightening slogan was spotted on a house in the south of the Spanish island by a concerned resident who admitted to being worried that the mass protest movement against overcrowding was going too far.

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Speaking to LBC, they said: "Things on the islands are getting worse due to the large number of tourists and new residents, which leave us without homes and severely affect our natural environment". The local, who remained anonymous due to safety concerns, added that people on the island are becoming desperate for change and respect.

"But perhaps this does not justify those actions, which seem to be escalating. It's frightening," they went on and said.