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The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘I'm stuck in my Airbnb' – Irish tourists ‘scared' to leave rooms as thousands join latest Spain protest after warning
TERRIFIED Irish holidaymakers in Spain this weekend hid in their hotels as protestors took to the streets in their thousands and demanded an end to mass tourism. Some 3 A tourist watches on as protesters call for a change to the tourism model in the Canary Islands Credit: REUTERS 3 Thousands march along the seafront overlooking the beach in Gran Canaria Credit: Alamy Live News Demonstrations were held on Sunday in And holidaymakers cowered in hotel rooms and awkwardly watched from the sidelines as Dozens of armed officers from the National Sunseekers were READ MORE IN TRAVEL But with hostile messages against foreigners and tourists written on public walls on the rise, fears have grown that the movement could Earlier this month, a protestor in One Irish holidaymaker, 32, told how he was too "scared" to be on the streets while the protests were underway on Sunday. Alberto Babo told MailOnline: "I didn't go out today due to the protests, I'm stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds. Most read in News Travel "I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I'm here. All I can hear is the noise." I'm a Lanzarote ladette who drinks all day & sunbed hogs, I pay locals' wages, I'm fuming they're moaning about tourists Demonstrators were heard shouting "Canarias No Se Vende", meaning "The Canary Islands Are Not For Sale," and "Enough is Enough" as they proudly held Canary Island flags in the sky during the protest. Some banners called for a stop to excessive tourism whilst others said: "There's not enough beds for so many foreigners." Activists were also heard blowing whistles, banging on drums and blowing through huge shells to make a loud horn-like noise. It is understood that that there were no incidents reported over any of the protests that took place across the archipelago on Sunday. Tourists were But despite the chaos and the promise of more protests during peak summer holiday season, unions have urged people not to cancel their holidays. They insisted that the anger is aimed at the system, not tourists. MORE PROTESTS PLANNED MORE protests have been planned for the peak summer holiday season. And the demonstrations are this time set to take place across both the Canary Island's and Spain's mainland. The cities It is understood that some , the Pyrenees, , , Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastián, Santander, Pamplona, the Canary Islands and Barcelona are all set to see protest action. The Canarian Trade Union Federation, said the wealth generated by tourism should be distributed more fairly to improve the labour and wage rights of more than 170,000 tourism workers in the Canaries. Overcrowding has become the main problem in sunshine destinations, with authorities to keep both tourists and locals happy. 'PEOPLE ARE TIRED' But locals have also said overtourism has reduced their quality of life, increased the cost of living and brought in cheap, "low-quality" tourists who do not contribute to the local economy. More than one million foreign tourists visit the Canary Islands each month, compared to a local population of 2.2 million, according to official data. And Spain, which had a record number of tourist arrivals in 2024, expects even more visitors this year. Canarias tiene un límite, a group meaning 'the Canary Islands have a limit', said: "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." Canary Island officials this week travelled to Brussels to formally ask the European Union for permission to impose limits on property purchases by non-residents and foreign investors. 3 Activists blew through enormous shells to make a loud horn-like noise during the protests Credit: Getty Images
Edinburgh Live
20-05-2025
- Edinburgh Live
British tourists in Spain warned 'stay in your hotels' as families issued alert
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Holidaymakers huddle in their hotels as anti-tourism protests erupt across the Canary Islands. Throngs of demonstrators, pushing for a cap on tourism, caused mayhem on the usually tranquil islands on Sunday May 18, decrying the inundation of tourists flocking to popular Spanish retreats. In an appalling turn, activists reportedly took vile actions involving sewage. Major disruptions flared across Spain starting at 11am, impacting key destinations such as Tenerife, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Lanzarote. 32 year old Alberto Babo revealed to MailOnline, "I didn't go out today due to the protests, I'm stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds. I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I'm here. All I can hear is the noise." A demonstrator underscored the tension, asserting: "Spain has become the after party for Europe, and Tenerife has more tourists per year than Brazil, we don't have room". The protester further voiced, "We are not against individual tourists, just those who don't respect the rules, who throw trash and pollute and commit crimes. We have toilets that are closed on our beaches because they are contaminated by sewage," reports Birmingham Live. They highlighted deepening frustration: "Since our historic protest last year the government has done nothing, they have actually increased the number of tourists coming and we don't have enough room. The traffic is so bad when they are here; a 15-minute journey takes one hour." The attendant griped about the pressure on local housing, lamenting, "The number of Airbnbs is too high and there is nowhere to rent, it is catastrophic for the island." Tenerife saw a mass convening of protestors waving flags and banging drums. Campaigners are demanding a limit on the number of holidaymakers to avoid overcrowding and resource depletion. They're also calling for a halt on the construction of any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes. Among the rallying cries heard was: 'El dinero del turismo, donde está?' which translates as 'The money from tourism, where is it?' Tenerife's Tourism Minister, Lope Alfonso, stated that the government has been striving towards a model to 'achieve a balance between the interests of residents and tourists. '.
Dublin Live
19-05-2025
- Dublin Live
'Scared' holidaymakers cower in rooms as thousands join Spain anti-tourism protests
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Tourists are feeling trapped in their hotel rooms as thousands have taken to the streets in a wave of fierce anti-tourism protests just before the summer holiday rush. Locals on the Canary Islands are voicing their discontent as the peak tourist season approaches, with an estimated 7,000 demonstrators marching through Santa Cruz, Tenerife's capital, reports the Mirror. The large-scale demonstrations have been mirrored across all seven islands, including Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura, with protest organisers claiming that the sun-drenched Spanish islands – a favourite destination for holidaymakers – "have a limit". The group behind the protests, named "The Canary Islands have a limit", has yet to announce the total number of participants but reports that the turnout has been "very high". Most of the demonstrations kicked off yesterday at 11am, drawing vast numbers to the coastlines and beaches, while many tourists watched the unfolding events from the sidelines. Campaigners in the Canary Islands have hit the streets once again to voice their opposition to the mass tourism model that underpins the local economy. Amidst the protests, chants criticising the tourism industry filled the air, accompanied by the sound of shell-like horns and the rhythm of drumbeats. During the raucous demonstrations, protesters were heard chanting: "El dinero del turismo, donde está?" This battle cry, asking "The money from tourism, where is it?" has caused quite a stir among visitors. The clamour and upheaval left many holidaymakers too frightened to venture outside, with Irish tourist Alberto Babo recounting to the Daily Mail his choice to "avoid the crowds". He recounted: "I didn't go out today due to the protests, I'm stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds. I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I'm here. All I can hear is the noise." The Canary Islands have seen crowds swell across its shores, yet the demonstrations have remained peaceful, as protesters on Gran Canaria rally behind the motto "The Canary Islands are not for sale, they are loved and defended". Additionally, other placards at the gatherings proclaimed "The Canary Islands have a limit and so does our patience" and "Enough is enough!" Anti-tourism sentiment seems mainly concentrated in popular destinations such as Gran Canaria, but similar protests have also erupted in other Spanish cities and reached beyond to European capitals including Berlin. Chief among the demands laid out by activists is a halt on further tourism development, the imposition of an eco tax, and stringent regulation of short-term holiday lets, with particular focus on platforms like Airbnb. These protests spring from increasing disquiet over tourist overload, the environmental toll, and the burgeoning crisis in housing availability. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Easyjet releases statement following anti-tourism protests in Spain
easyJet has released a statement after residents across the Canary Islands came out in full force over the weekend to protest again mass tourism - leaving holidaymakers cowering in hotels. Tens of thousands of fed up locals kicked off demonstrations at 11am on 18 May on the seven main islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera and Lanzarote. Furious residents marched with the slogan 'Canarias tiene un limite' (The Canaries has a limit, while slogans were chanted such as: 'El dinero del turismo, donde está?', meaning 'The money from tourism, where is it?' Dressed in yellow shirts and carrying placards, they demanded authorities do more to limit tourism's impact on the area, such as reducing the number of short-term rentals and creating more affordable homes for locals. Dozens of armed officers from the National Police were seen on patrol, as protesters were heard blowing through enormous shells to make a loud horn-like noise, while banging on drums. The upheaval has left many holidaymakers too frightened to venture outside, as Irish tourist Alberto Babo shared that he's holed himself up in his Airbnb accommodation 'just to be safe.' easyJet, a European carrier frequently used by UK visitors to Spain, has assured it haven't had yet encountered any issues with customers regarding anti-tourist protests. A spokesperson added in a statement: 'Local policymakers have a range of tools to address impacts on local communities that may identify issues, including promoting other destinations. Scores of fed-up locals kicked off demonstrations across the archipelago from 11am, including in Tenerife, where thousands of Brits are currently holidaying 'As such they would be better placed to help you on this matter as transport operators including airlines are simply serving the demand that exists.' Demonstrators have also taken to the streets in Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid, as tensions towards tourists have continued to rise over the last year. In April, locals fired water pistols at a tour bus outside Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, as they warned of bigger protests this summer. On Sunday, in Lanzarote, an Irish holidaymaker revealed he was too scared to leave his AirBnB. Alberto Babo, 32, told MailOnline: 'I didn't go out today due to the protests, I'm stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds. I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I'm here. All I can hear is the noise.' One placard read: 'Stop excessive tourism… this is our home,' while another said: 'My misery is your paradise'. A banner declared the Canary Islands 'is no longer a paradise' thanks to tourism. Another sign was inscribed with the words: 'tourists swim in s**t', referencing the large amount of sewage water that is dumped into the sea - the majority of it, activists say, coming from hotels and tourist accommodations. Other placards in Spanish said: 'Don't sell your homes to guiris!' Guiri is a Spanish slang word for British and other tourists. Protesters in Barcelona hold up signs which read: 'No queda paraiso para Lxs Canaria,' translating to 'There is no paradise left for the Canary Islands' Protesters were heard blowing through enormous shells to make a loud horn-like noise, while banging on drums Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso, has since announced that he will reach out to the activists to 'discuss the future of the islands' Another housing issue is the high number of properties being snapped up by foreign purchasers, which locals say is behind skyrocketing prices Thousands of people protested against the tourism model and mass tourism 'We are not against individual tourists, just those who don't respect the rules, who throw trash and pollute and commit crimes. 'We have toilets that are closed on our beaches because they are contaminated by sewage. 'Since our historic protest last year the government has done nothing, they have actually increased the number of tourists coming and we don't have enough room. 'The traffic is so bad when they are here; a 15-minute journey takes one hour. 'The number of Airbnbs is too high and there is nowhere to rent, it is catastrophic for the island.' It comes after the Canary Islands government said it wants to hold emergency talks with the activists following a plunge in British bookings. Santiago Sese, president of the region's Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern on Friday after revealing the number of British reservations for this summer have fallen by 8 per cent year-on-year in Tenerife. Sese revealed the troubling numbers while presenting the Economic Situation Report for 2025, reports regional newspaper El Dia. Among the protesters is Paula McKnight Morales, 39, whose father is from the US but who grew up on the islands They want to ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes from being built Demonstrators could also be heard shouting 'Canarias No Se Vende', meaning 'The Canary Islands Are Not For Sale,' while they blew whistles and proudly held Canary Island flags in the sky. Marchers also echoed the chant 'No hay cams pa' tanto guiri', translating to 'There's not enough beds for so many foreigners.' While another placard read: 'Enjoying a day at your pool? That water could be going on food.' According to Metro, there were initially 2,000 marchers expected to participate in the march this Sunday - a significantly lower number than an April protest against anti-tourism in Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz. Holidaymakers looked on from rooftops as protesters marched by, as locals reportedly took the opportunity to pull the middle finger towards tourist, who allegedly did kissing gestures back. Among the protesters is Paula McKnight Morales, 39, whose father is from the US but who grew up on the islands. The swimming instructor told MailOnline: 'Spain has become the after party for Europe, and Tenerife has more tourists per year than Brazil, we don't have room. Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso, has since announced that he will reach out to the activists to 'discuss the future of the islands'. Alfonso said the government has been working on a model to 'achieve a balance between the interests of residents and tourists.' Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso said the government has been working on a model to 'achieve a balance between the interests of residents and tourists.' Activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion According to Sese, there are signs of a decline in the number of tourists, with the British market among the most affected. He said competing countries like Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and neighbouring Morocco have all seen their bookings increase. He regretted that the advertising campaigns specifically targeting the UK are not having an impact. It follows a series of widely-reported 'anti-tourism' protests across Spain that have made many Brits feel unwelcome. But the 'Canaries has a limit' (Canarias tiene un limite) movement, which is behind the protests this weekend, has seemingly rejected the olive branch. Referencing the government's offer of a dialogue it wrote: 'Dialogue? We want facts. 'The rest are attempts to calm what's coming: a social uprising demanding a fair model for the Canary Islands, where bosses, lobbyists, and corrupt officials have no place. See you this Sunday.' The Canary Islands has a population of 2.2million people, but welcomes around 18million holidaymakers each year - which locals say is placing a strain on resources, causing jet fuel pollution, traffic chaos and a host of other issues. Thousands of protestors gathered in Tenerife with flags and drums For this reason, activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion. Among their other demands is a ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes, and the immediate demolition of projects already declared illegal. These include large-scale luxury projects like the Cuna del Alma and La Tejita hotels in Tenerife, which they accuse of causing environmental harm. They also want a 'significant' tourist eco-tax that will be used to pay for the conservation and maintenance of natural spaces.
Edinburgh Live
19-05-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Tourists 'cowering in rooms' after thousands join anti-tourism protests in Spain
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Tourists are reportedly too frightened to venture out of their rooms as thousands have taken to the streets in a series of intense anti-tourism demonstrations across the Canary Islands. As the peak holiday season approaches, disgruntled residents have made their displeasure known, with an estimated 7,000 individuals marching through Santa Cruz, Tenerife's capital. The large-scale protests have been replicated across all seven islands, including Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura, with organisers stating that the sun-drenched Spanish islands, which are particularly favoured by Brits, "have a limit". READ MORE - Woman knew something was wrong when midwife immediately took probe off during scan READ MORE - Scottish singer Lulu makes rare admission on mental health and says 'it's scary' The protest group, named "The Canary Islands have a limit", has yet to announce the total number of participants but has described the turnout as "very high". Most of the demonstrations kicked off yesterday at 11am, witnessing vast numbers of people flooding promenades and beaches, while holidaymakers watched on. The campaigners are taking a stand against the mass tourism model that underpins the islands' economy. During the protests, participants were seen blowing into conch-like horns to make a racket, drumming, and voicing chants that criticised the local tourism sector, reports the Mirror. Holidaymakers on the Canary Islands were left shaken as angry demonstrators demanding action against the impact of mass tourism on the region poured onto the streets. One of the rallying cries of the protests was "El dinero del turismo, donde está?" or "The money from tourism, where is it?". As irate locals made their voices heard, Irish tourist Alberto Babo opted to stay indoors, telling the Daily Mail: "I didn't go out today due to the protests, I'm stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds. I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I'm here. All I can hear is the noise." Despite the intensity of the protests, crowds remained peaceful, adopting slogans such as "The Canary Islands are not for sale, they are loved and defended" in Gran Canaria. Protest banners also proclaimed "The Canary Islands have a limit and so does our patience" and "Enough is enough!". The demonstrations have spread beyond the islands, with anti-tourism protests reported in other Spanish cities and European capitals like Berlin. Campaigners are calling for a moratorium on tourism, an eco tax, and stricter regulations on holiday rentals, particularly on platforms such as Airbnb, amid growing unrest over the social, environmental, and housing crises caused by tourist saturation.
