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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Brits face holiday hotspot hell as bar staff in Tenerife send ultimatum to bosses or vow they will strike in peak season
BRITS chasing the sun this summer could face fresh holiday hell as bar staff prepare to strike during peak season. It comes after 80,000 employees Advertisement 6 Bar staff have threatened a mass walk out if their pay demands are not met Credit: Louis Wood 6 Thousands of locals flooded the streets to protest mass tourism Credit: Getty 6 Locals called on tighter restrictions Credit: AFP In a move that could spark chaos for Brits travelling to Tenerife this summer, union bosses said industrial action could start as early as July. The unions, Sindicalistas de Base and UGT, have issued bosses with an ultimatum, warning of a major walk out if they are not granted a 6.5 per cent salary bump. They have made it clear that no further negotiations will happen if these conditions are not met. This isn't the first time Tenerife has been at the centre of sweeping industrial action. Advertisement Read more on World Last month, cleaners and restaurant workers in the The tourism employers' association, formed by Ashotel and AERO, had offered a four per cent increase in pay for workers, hoping it would prevent them from protesting during the Easter holidays. But unions wanted 6.25 per cent. They said their decision was unanimous and would not change plans to Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking With over 170,000 tourism workers in the They planned to demonstrate in all the tourist hotspots, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Inside Tenerife's ongoing war between tourists and locals By law , strikers have to provide a "minimum service" but the unions said hotel cleaning, food and entertainment don't fall into this category. They said they must try and preserve the health of hotel workers and provide them with the very best of working conditions. Advertisement Elsewhere, locals flooded the streets to protest against mass tourism in the area. Activists vowed to storm popular tourist attractions, disrupt public events and 'confront political leaders' in a fiery new phase of protests kicking off May 18 — right as peak holiday season begins. 'From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated,' declared pressure group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit). 'We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved.' Advertisement 'The In a separate warning, the group 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.' The backlash follows In June last year, beach workers also walked off the job over what unions called "precarious" conditions. Advertisement As tensions boil over, the Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the regional government, said: 'We're doing this the Canary Islands way — extending a hand and listening to everyone.' The sweeping reforms aim to tackle everything from sky-high housing costs in tourist areas to crumbling infrastructure and overworked public services. 6 Thousands of people took to the streets Credit: Getty Advertisement 6 Activists vowed to storm popular tourist attractions Credit: Getty 6 Protests erupted at the peak of tourist season Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Urgent warning for Irish tourists in Spain as exact date & time furious locals will take to streets for protest revealed
IRISH people heading to the sun-soaked Canary Islands this weekend are in for a shock as furious locals plot mass protests. Holiday hotspots like 6 A huge protest in Santa Cruz in Tenerife last year Credit: EPA/ALBERTO VALDES 6 A protester holds a sign reading 'Canary Islands have a limit' as thousands marched on Las Americas beach during a demonstration against mass tourism last year Credit: Getty Images 6 Locals have told how overtourism has reduced their quality of life Credit: Getty Images Activists have vowed to Canarias tiene un límite, meaning The Canaries Have a Limit, declared: "From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated. "We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved." Overcrowding has become the main problem in READ MORE IN TRAVEL 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. Hostile messages against foreigners and tourists written on public walls have been on the rise - sparking fears that anti-tourist movements And, after tourists were targeted with water guns and shouted at by protestors in demonstrations earlier this year, some holidaymakers are worried they could be targeted if they get caught up in a protest. Despite the chaos, unions have urged tourists not to cancel their holidays. Most read in News Travel They have insisted that the anger is aimed at the system, not sunseekers - but protests are set to escalate fast. Thousands of anti-tourist protesters flood Spanish hols hotspots & call on mob to super glue holiday rental locks Canarias tiene un límite 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." The PROTEST LOCATIONS AND TIMES THE protests on Sunday are planned to take place across 15 areas throughout the Canary Islands. Tourists have been urged to stay away from the demonstrations. The primary protest locations and times for May 18 are: Tenerife – Plaza Weyler, Santa Cruz, 11am Gran Canaria – Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas, 11am Lanzarote – Quiosco de la Música, Arrecife, 11am Fuerteventura – Plaza de la Iglesia, Puerto del Rosario, 11am El Hierro – Consejería de Turismo, Valverde, 11am La Palma – Plaza de La Alameda, Santa Cruz de La Palma, 11am La Gomera – Plaza de Las Américas, San Sebastián, 11:00am Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the regional government, said: 'We're doing this the Canary Islands way — extending a hand and listening to everyone.' The new legal framework, which will set tougher planning and building standards, tighten rules on holiday rentals and introduce laws on campsites and outdoor tourism, is expected to roll out over the coming months. Protests have also been scheduled across other areas of Spain rising up against mass tourism. Locals on Spain's mainlands and island will take to streets on June 15 for huge demonstrations that thousands are expected to attend. MORE PROTESTS IN SUMMER The cities It is understood that some - potentially causing flight chaos - and blockade buses carrying tourists. Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has previously warned Irish sunseekers that public gatherings and demonstrations in Spain can at times take place with "little or no warning". A spokesperson said: "We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities. "Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. "You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain." 6 A man with the Canary Island flag painted on his face protests during a march against tourism Credit: AP Photo/Miguel Velasco Almendral 6 A protester holds a placard reading 'Invasion does not come in 'patera', it comes by plane' Credit: Getty Images 6 Protestors gathered in Gran Canaria last year
Edinburgh Live
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
British holidaymaker warning as Lanzarote and Tenerife announce new tourism laws
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 Lanzarote and Tenerife are set to "rip up" the tourism rulebook, launching a crackdown on UK holidaymakers with new laws amidst growing protests. Demonstrations have been escalating across Spain, with locals protesting against tourists in the Canary Islands within the European Union. Activists have pledged to invade popular tourist spots, disrupt public events and "confront political leaders". A fresh campaign is set to commence from May 18. "From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated," declared activist group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit). "We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved. "The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few," the statement read. In a separate warning, the group 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," reports Birmingham Live. Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the regional government, said: "We're doing this the Canary Islands way - extending a hand and listening to everyone." Jessica de León, Canary Islands' Minister of Tourism and Employment, emphasised the importance of resident wellbeing while introducing new regulations. "The new regulation must align with today's social and environmental realities, correcting outdated elements and integrating changes from national and regional rulings, including Constitutional Court decisions," she commented. Responding, a Brit expressed mixed feelings: "You have to feel some sympathy with the Islanders, they need tourism but they need the right kind of tourism. All inclusive kills the local economy however at the same time they need to manage the costs charged and the amount of tourists that can be on the island at the same time." Meanwhile, another individual said online: "I'm glad I spend my money in Britain each year. The North Yorkshire Moors, Whitby, Scarborough, and the famous NYMR (Railway) is worth a visit." Another person suggested a solution for the Canary Islands government: "If the various branches of The Canarian Govt could manage a building programme to house residents into may be a way forward. Even simpler, limit air bnb properties at any one time to a very small % of housing stock available."
North Wales Live
25-04-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Canary Islands set to overhaul tourism rulebook with new laws ahead of mass protests
The Canary Islands are set to shake up the tourism industry, as new regulations loom amidst escalating protests. There has been a surge in demonstrations, with protestors taking to the streets against the influx of tourists in the Canaries, with Tenerife in the spotlight recently. Activists have pledged to target well-known tourist spots, disrupt events, and challenge political figures. The campaign is slated to commence on May 18. "From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated," declared the activist group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit). "We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved. "The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few," the group announced. In an additional cautionary message, they stated: "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.", reports Birmingham Live. A public consultation to update tourism laws in the Canary Islands has been launched by the government this week which could 'reshape' the 'vital economic' sector. The consultation, launched on Monday April 21, aims to update the General Tourism Law of 1995 and the 2013 Law on Tourism Renewal and Modernisation and adapt them to the 'current challenges and realities facing the islands'. Alfonso Cabello, the regional government's spokesperson, commented: "We're doing this the Canary Islands way - extending a hand and listening to everyone." Jessica de León, the Canary Islands' Minister of Tourism and Employment, highlighted the importance of balancing tourism with residents' well-being, asserting: "The new regulation must align with today's social and environmental realities, correcting outdated elements and integrating changes from national and regional rulings, including Constitutional Court decisions,". One British commenter showed understanding for the challenges faced by locals, stating: "You have to feel some sympathy with the Islanders, they need tourism but they need the right kind of tourism. All inclusive kills the local economy however at the same time they need to manage the costs charged and the amount of tourists that can be on the island at the same time." Another person enthusiastically recommended British destinations, commenting: "I'm glad I spend my money in Britain each year. The North Yorkshire Moors, Whitby, Scarborough, and the famous NYMR (Railway) is worth a visit." Meanwhile, a third individual suggested a practical approach for the Canarian government: "If the various branches of The Canarian Govt could manage a building programme to house residents into may be a way forward. Even simpler, limit air bnb properties at any one time to a very small % of housing stock available."
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Canary Islands to tear up tourism rulebook & launch crackdown on Brits with new laws ahead of mass protests
BRITS heading to the sun-soaked Canary Islands this summer are in for a shock with furious locals plotting mass protests and the government ripping up its tourism rulebook. Holiday hotspots like Tenerife are bracing for a summer of unrest as residents rise up against what they claim is a 'predatory model' of tourism that's pushed locals to the brink. 7 Protesters march on Las Americas beach during a demonstration to protest against mass tourism in Tenerife Credit: AFP 7 Demonstrations have been boiling up across Spain Credit: Alamy 7 People protesting against tourists in the Canary Islands Credit: EPA Activists have vowed to storm popular tourist attractions, disrupt public events and 'confront political leaders' in a fiery new phase of protests kicking off May 18 — right as peak holiday season begins. 'From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated,' declared pressure group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit). 'We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved.' The movement — now spreading beyond Tenerife — insists it's no longer business as usual for tourism in the region. 'The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few,' the statement read. In a separate warning, the group 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.' The backlash follows a 170,000-strong hotel and restaurant workers' strike across the islands just days ago, with locals slamming low wages and poor working conditions in the booming holiday industry. In June last year, beach workers also walked off the job over what unions called "precarious" conditions. As tensions boil over, the Canary Islands Government has now announced plans to completely overhaul its outdated 30-year-old tourism laws in a landmark reform effort. Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the regional government, said: 'We're doing this the Canary Islands way — extending a hand and listening to everyone.' Explore Tenerife with The Sun's Best of Beaches 7 The sweeping reforms aim to tackle everything from sky-high housing costs in tourist areas to crumbling infrastructure and overworked public services. Jessica de León, the Canary Islands' Minister of Tourism and Employment, stressed the need to protect residents' quality of life. 'The new regulation must align with today's social and environmental realities, correcting outdated elements and integrating changes from national and regional rulings, including Constitutional Court decisions,' she said. She also confirmed that changes would include defining tourism-heavy municipalities to prioritise infrastructure upgrades where they're most needed. The new legal framework is expected to roll out over the coming months. It will also set tougher planning and building standards, tighten rules on holiday rentals, and introduce the first regulation for campsites and outdoor tourism. Despite the chaos, unions have urged tourists not to cancel their holidays, insisting their anger is aimed at the system, not the sunseekers. 7 Thousands of people demonstrate against tourism policies on the island of Tenerife in April 2024 Credit: Getty 7 Tourism policy in the Canary Islands has left little room for the local population, the protesters argue Credit: Getty But protests are set to escalate fast. On April 5, anti-tourism protests exploded across Spain, with furious demonstrators flooding over 40 cities — from Barcelona to Madrid — in one of the largest uprisings yet. Some activists even urged locals to superglue the locks of holiday rentals to keep them out of use. Protests followed on from a series of demonstrations last summer. Canary island beach workers also went on strike in June over precarious working conditions. Unions said they wanted to alert holidaymakers to the possible effects of the strike but asked them not to cancel their plans. They also said they didn't want tourists to change their image of the Canaries as a good holiday destination. In March, campaigners issued a chilling open letter to foreign visitors, telling them: 'ENOUGH! STAY HOME! We do not need more tourists; in fact, you are the source of our problem. DO NOT COME.' 7 Millions of tourists, including many Brits, flock to Tenerife and other hotspots in the Canary Islands every summer Credit: Getty
