UK tourists could face daily charge in Canary Islands as travellers threaten holiday boycott

Brits could be hit with a new daily charge while soaking up the sun in the Canary Islands due to a recent surge of visitors sparking calls for a boycott from disgruntled tourists.

Authorities in popular holiday destinations such as Lanzarote and Tenerife are looking at ways to 'claw back' revenue with island officials, including Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, suggesting a tourist tax for Brits.

He told reporters: "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."

He further explained: "It is a successful model that has generated a lot of employment and wealth, but it is also true that we have to continue improving it."

He stressed the importance of deepening added value, increasing turnover, profit, and wealth, indicating stating these topics would be laid on the table and "discussed openly without holding back and no taboo subjects."

However, authorities' plans seem to irk UK holidaymakers who love these islands, resulting in mounting tensions. Anti-tourist sentiments are visibly escalating, evidenced by graffiti across Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, reports the Mirror.

Moreover, ahead of the protests on April 20 scheduled for Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, one group of locals took their revolt to a more drastic level, initiating an "indefinite" hunger strike last Friday outside a church in La Laguna, Tenerife.

Victor Martin, who spearheads the protest without participating in the hunger strike himself explained: "The hunger strike is indefinite and will continue until the two macro projects we're fighting against are stopped forever and the regional agreement agrees in writing to sit down and talk to us about a tourist moratorium. A tragedy could occur and someone could die if the government don't listen."

UK holidaymakers expressed disappointment over the spike in prices for holidays on Spanish shores, sparking threats of boycotts.

The Mirror has been reporting that individuals planning European getaways this summer might need to expand their budget with an increasing number of popular tourist locations in Europe heightening their tourist tax charges.

While most cities typically impose a certain levy on visitors staying in hotels that's usually paid at check-in, there has been a trend of destinations enhancing these costs and instituting new regulations to mitigate over-tourism. This includes top tourist spots like Paris and Venice, and extends to hostels, B&Bs, and holiday rentals.

For those journeying to Greece and its array of islands, a new tax payable at their chosen accommodation upon arrival is to be expected. Fees vary from 50 cents per night for apartments to €4 per night for a stay in a five-star hotel.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.