Lanzarote 'on brink of collapse' as tourists 'overwhelm' small island and 'exploit' resources
A warning has been issued for UK tourists planning a holiday to Lanzarote, as the Canary Island is reportedly "on the brink of collapse". Mass protests are set to take place on April 20, with locals voicing their concerns over "overtourism".
The demonstrators, who claim to be unaffiliated with any group or political party, have adopted the slogan "Lanzarote has a limit". They are protesting against the impact of tourist overcrowding, but clarify that they do not oppose controlled and sustainable tourism.
Local residents argue that the influx of tourists has made housing inaccessible and has led to a backlog in health services. They also highlight issues with waste management, water shortages, and the overcrowding of protected areas.
The Ben Magec-Ecologists in Action report further elaborates on these concerns, stating: "Uncontrolled, increase in the non-resident population of European origin, giving rise to completely overcrowded islands in which the generation of waste and the exploitation of resources cause an almost irreversible degradation of our natural ecosystems."
Ruben Zerpa from Canaries Sold Out stressed that they are not against tourists visiting. "We in these islands have always been very welcoming to tourists. But we want more sustainable tourism," he mentioned to i, reports Birmingham Live.
He further emphasised that: "Tenerife is a small island with limited resources. The roads are overwhelmed with traffic, there is a hydraulic emergency going on and hotels are full."
"I earn about 900 (£770) and live with my partner but the rent is 800 per month. That is Santa Cruz, which is not even one of the most expensive parts of the island," he added. An expatriate living in Teguise shared with the news website that: "As a Briton who has lived on Tenerife for 30 plus years, I understand the concern voiced by some at the impact of mass tourism, including the massive rise in digital nomads since the pandemic."
"Many property owners prefer to rent to high-paying visitors and locals are priced out of the market," he continued.