A beloved British holiday spot renowned for its sunshine is reportedly “collapsing socially and environmentally” due to the overwhelming influx of tourists, according to local residents, Sky News reports.
Inhabitants of the Canary Islands find themselves “living in their cars or even in caves” as a consequence of skyrocketing housing costs, prompting plans for a demonstration.
This Spanish archipelago, situated near the African coast, is a favourite among British holidaymakers, with close to five million visiting last year.
Local organisations are now rallying, with demonstrations scheduled for April 20.
Protest leaders argue that the islands are “collapsing socially and environmentally” under the strain of tourist numbers.
Ecologists in Action, an environmental group, recently highlighted the issue of “unsustainable tourism” affecting the Canary Islands.
Despite setting new records in tourism, which brings in millions of euros to the sector, the report indicates that nearly 34% of the local populace, or about 800,000 individuals, face the threat of poverty or social exclusion.
“The upcoming Saturday, the 20th of April, will see us on the streets once more, demanding what simply makes sense; to manage a situation that is suffocating us and driving us out of our own land,” the report further stated.
There have even been instances of residents putting up fake “closed due to overcrowding” signs in an attempt to deter tourists.
Ivan Cerdena Molina, one of the protest organisers, spoke to The Olive Press, a local news source: “We have nothing against individual tourists but the industry is growing and growing and using up so many resources and the island cannot cope.
“It’s a crisis, we have to change things urgently, people are living in their cars and even in caves, and locals can’t eat, drink or live well.”
The Canary Islands’ President, Fernando Clavijo, has called for prudence among activists.
“What we cannot do is attack our main source of employment and wealth because it would be irresponsible,” he commented to the local press.
(Tourists at Playa Grande Beach, Lanzarote. Pic: Alamy)
