British tourists warned as anti-tourism protests set to disrupt Spanish holidays

Protests against mass tourism in Spain’s Canary Islands have been announced to take place soon, meaning Brits jetting off for some sun and sand could be in for a shock

British holidaymakers can expect fresh waves of anti-tourism protests at a beloved Spanish getaway following last year’s clashes with protesters. Sun-chasers planning to swap the dreary British climate for some Mediterranean warmth should brace themselves for possible upheaval in parts of Spain.

Activists against mass tourism have announced they’ll kick off new demonstrations, spelling chaos for those jetting off to Tenerife. The group “Canarias tiene un límite” (Canaries has a limit) has not revealed when they will start but warned that trouble for travellers will begin soon.

Key cities and popular destinations have already experienced a wave of protests, with residents in Barcelona and Madrid taking a stand against the influx of holidaymakers. This trend seems poised to extend as campaigners from the Canary Islands voice their exhaustion over being disregarded and feeling undervalued, declaring previous protests went unnoticed.

Protest plans targeting Tenerife were outlined to commence on May 18 at 11am, starting at Plaza Weyler in the island’s capital, Santa Cruz. This week, the campaign group announced: “Several islands and the Canarian population are called to unite again to reject an economic model that is taking the Canary Islands to the limit.”

The statement continued: “This cry, which reflects the feelings of a people tired of being ignored and mistreated, will be the beginning of a new stage of struggle: firmer, more direct, more uncomfortable for those who refuse to listen to us and take real measures.”

Anti-tourism groups in Tenerife have voiced their demands, arguing that the influx of visitors has negatively impacted housing, the environment, roads and the general tranquillity of their towns, reports the Mirror. They are also incensed that despite previous promises of change from the Canary government, no action has been taken.

In a statement released yesterday, the group declared: “@‌On May 18th, EVERYONE TAKES TO THE STREETS! Tenerife takes to the streets to reject the economic model that is pushing the islands to the limit.The group further added: “The Canary Islands cannot continue to be a picture-postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a few. We are the voice of those who refuse to accept that false progress justifies the precariousness and destruction of the islands.”

The group also stated: “On May 18th, we will also take to the streets to denounce the precarious conditions in which our colleagues in the tourism sector work. Our full support to those who, yesterday and today, are demonstrating to improve their working conditions and those of those who come after them.”

Tenerife recently experienced another wave of protests on Thursday and Friday due to a strike by hospitality workers over the Easter period. These demonstrations saw hospitality and restaurant workers, as well as cleaners and entertainers, initiate a two-day walkout.

Thousands of employees have joined the strike, demanding improved pay and conditions after negotiations failed to reach an agreement. Discussions are anticipated to recommence on Monday.