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Wales Online
23-04-2025
- Wales Online
Tenerife on 'brink of collapse' as Brits warned not to visit
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 Anti-tourism campaigners in Tenerife are set to ramp up their protests this summer after a record-breaking influx of tourists flocked to the Canary Islands last year. Determined to send a strong message, local people have vowed to disrupt public events, confront political figures and stage sit-ins at iconic tourist landmarks to underscore their demands for change. The campaign is primed for its first major act with demonstrations planned for Sunday, May 18, which are expected to ripple throughout the island chain. The wave of activism sweeping through Tenerife is set to shift the Canary Islands' focus from being a prime tourist spot to embracing sustainable development, putting an end to profit-centric pressures. Spearheaded by angry residents, the movement began in 2024 with tens of thousands marching through the streets demanding change, claiming the islands were "reaching its limit". Initially, the demonstrations took place in areas less reliant on tourism, such as the capital Santa Cruz, and were timed strategically before the peak tourist season. However, frustrated by what they saw as "lack of action" from local leaders, protesters shifted their focus. In October, they descended upon tourist hotspots beloved by Brits, including Playa De Las Americas, aiming to force policy changes that would limit visitor numbers and second home ownership. Despite global attention on the initial protests, they failed to put off international tourists from descending on the Canary Islands. Activist Ivan Cerdena Molina, part of the protest movement and the local environmental group ATAN, voiced his frustration that despite their efforts, tourism to the islands surged last year. Visitor numbers increased by a further two million in 2024, reports The Mirror. In a scathing assessment of tourism in the Canary Islands, Ivan detailed the islands' struggles amid swelling tourist numbers: "We had 16 million tourists [in the Canaries] in 2023 and 18 million in 2024. In 2025, the number is increasing again. The government didn't do anything; it just spoke nice words with no real action." Addressing British holidaymakers considering a trip to the Canary Islands, Ivan's advice was stark: "The situation is really critical, no-one who wants to enjoy holidays in peace, would come to a collapsed and congested island. It's simple, there are too many people everywhere." Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community As local frustration continues to grow, Ivan added: "Local people are really tired and angry, they are showing it. If we can ask something, it would be, please don't come, we cannot take it anymore." Amid mounting tensions, Ivan and fellow campaigners plan a significant protest against over-tourism as peak season looms in the renowned hotspots of the Canaries. They made their intentions clear in a press release entitled "the Canaries have a limit", signalling an escalation in their campaign. The proclamation confirmed a new aggressive stance: "From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated," protesters said in a statement. The activists added: "The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few. "We are the Canarian people - a people who will not give up until we achieve the change we deserve. On May 18, the fight continues in the streets. What comes next will be impossible to ignore." Additionally, Tenerife is bracing for demonstrations ahead of a major tourism protest forecasted for Mallorca on May Day, Thursday, May 1. The rally aims to showcase widespread discontent with the Balearic government's stance on housing and tourism policies. With thousands anticipated to pour into the streets, trade unions are prepping for what might be "the most militant demonstration in years." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
Wales Online
23-04-2025
- Wales Online
Brits urged to stay away from popular Spanish destination as they 'cannot take it anymore'
Brits urged to stay away from popular Spanish destination as they 'cannot take it anymore' The area has been rocked by anti-tourism protests as locals tell holidaymakers 'don't bother' Spain remains a hugely popular destination with Brits going abroad (Image: John Lamb via Getty Images ) After tourist numbers in Tenerife surged by two million last year, anti-tourism campaigners have made it clear they'll ramp up their efforts this summer. In 2024, Canary Islands residents began to protest en masse, with tens of thousands demanding change and arguing that the island chain was "reaching its limit". Protest activities were initially concentrated away from tourist-dependent zones—such as Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz—and typically happened before peak travel seasons. The local government's apparent "lack of action" has since galvanised protesters to switch tactics. In October, they started targeting tourist favourites like Playa De Las Americas, frequented by holidaymakers, with the goal to influence policies to cap tourism and regulate second-home ownership. Despite striking an international chord previously, the protests didn't deter the influx of overseas visitors to the Canary Islands. Activist Ivan Cerdena Molina, who is part of the environmental group ATAN, voiced his disappointment regarding the continued growth in tourism, highlighting their previous mobilisations did little to abate the trend, reports the Express. Protest activities were initially concentrated away from tourist-dependent zones—such as Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz (Image: (Image: Getty) ) "We had 16 million tourists [in the Canaries] in 2023 and 18 million in 2024," he said. "In 2025, the number is increasing again. The government didn't do anything; it just spoke nice words with no real action." Article continues below Molina addressed the Brits eyeing a holiday in the Canaries with forthrightness. "The situation is really critical, no one who wants to enjoy holidays with peace would come to a collapsed and congested island, it's simple there are too many people everywhere," he said. "Local people are really tired and angry, they are showing it. If we can ask something, it would be, please don't come, we cannot take it anymore." He alongside his co-activists made it known they were orchestrating another substantial protest coinciding with the start of the high season at the tourist hotspots across the islands. An official statement was spread indicating the May 18 mobilisation by the alliance of groups branded as "the Canaries have a limit", wherein they declared an intensification of their campaign. "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." Marking May 18 as the commencement of such actions, they have also organised demonstrations on additional islands. "The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few," they added. "We are the voice of those who reject false progress at the expense of widespread precarity. We are the Canarian people - a people who will not give up until we achieve the change we deserve. Article continues below "On May 18, the fight continues in the streets. What comes next will be impossible to ignore."
North Wales Live
23-04-2025
- North Wales Live
Tenerife on 'brink of collapse' as Brits warned not to visit
Anti-tourism campaigners in Tenerife are set to ramp up their protests this summer after a record-breaking influx of tourists flocked to the Canary Islands last year. Determined to send a strong message, local people have vowed to disrupt public events, confront political figures and stage sit-ins at iconic tourist landmarks to underscore their demands for change. The campaign is primed for its first major act with demonstrations planned for Sunday, May 18, which are expected to ripple throughout the island chain. The wave of activism sweeping through Tenerife is set to shift the Canary Islands' focus from being a prime tourist spot to embracing sustainable development, putting an end to profit-centric pressures. Spearheaded by angry residents, the movement began in 2024 with tens of thousands marching through the streets demanding change, claiming the islands were "reaching its limit". Initially, the demonstrations took place in areas less reliant on tourism, such as the capital Santa Cruz, and were timed strategically before the peak tourist season. However, frustrated by what they saw as "lack of action" from local leaders, protesters shifted their focus. In October, they descended upon tourist hotspots beloved by Brits, including Playa De Las Americas, aiming to force policy changes that would limit visitor numbers and second home ownership. Despite global attention on the initial protests, they failed to put off international tourists from descending on the Canary Islands. Activist Ivan Cerdena Molina, part of the protest movement and the local environmental group ATAN, voiced his frustration that despite their efforts, tourism to the islands surged last year. Visitor numbers increased by a further two million in 2024, reports The Mirror. In a scathing assessment of tourism in the Canary Islands, Ivan detailed the islands' struggles amid swelling tourist numbers: "We had 16 million tourists [in the Canaries] in 2023 and 18 million in 2024. In 2025, the number is increasing again. The government didn't do anything; it just spoke nice words with no real action." Addressing British holidaymakers considering a trip to the Canary Islands, Ivan's advice was stark: "The situation is really critical, no-one who wants to enjoy holidays in peace, would come to a collapsed and congested island. It's simple, there are too many people everywhere." As local frustration continues to grow, Ivan added: "Local people are really tired and angry, they are showing it. If we can ask something, it would be, please don't come, we cannot take it anymore." Amid mounting tensions, Ivan and fellow campaigners plan a significant protest against over-tourism as peak season looms in the renowned hotspots of the Canaries. They made their intentions clear in a press release entitled "the Canaries have a limit", signalling an escalation in their campaign. The proclamation confirmed a new aggressive stance: "From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated," protesters said in a statement. The activists added: "The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few. "We are the Canarian people - a people who will not give up until we achieve the change we deserve. On May 18, the fight continues in the streets. What comes next will be impossible to ignore." Additionally, Tenerife is bracing for demonstrations ahead of a major tourism protest forecasted for Mallorca on May Day, Thursday, May 1. The rally aims to showcase widespread discontent with the Balearic government's stance on housing and tourism policies. With thousands anticipated to pour into the streets, trade unions are prepping for what might be "the most militant demonstration in years."
Wales Online
22-04-2025
- Wales Online
British tourists warned 'don't come' as Tenerife is 'on brink of collapse'
British tourists warned 'don't come' as Tenerife is 'on brink of collapse' Anti-tourism protesters in Tenerife have vowed to ramp up their demonstrations this summer after the Canary Islands saw a surge of two million visitors last year Anti-tourism campaigners in Tenerife have pledged to intensify their protests this summer (Image: Getty ) Anti-tourism campaigners in Tenerife have pledged to intensify their protests this summer, following a surge of two million visitors to the Canary Islands last year. The demonstrations, spearheaded by Canary Island locals, began in 2024 with tens of thousands taking to the streets demanding changes, arguing that the archipelago was "reaching its limit". Initially, these protests were focused in areas less dependent on tourism, such as the capital, Santa Cruz, and were strategically planned to take place before the tourist season reached its peak. However, due to what they perceived as "lack of action" from the island's leadership, the protesters changed their approach. In October, they targeted popular tourist destinations frequented by Brits, like Playa De Las Americas, in the hope of prompting policy changes to restrict visitor numbers and second homes. Despite the global attention drawn by the initial wave of protests, it did not deter foreign tourists from visiting the Canary Islands. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Ivan Cerdena Molina, an activist in the protest movement and member of the local environmental group ATAN, expressed his dismay that despite demonstrations, tourism to his homeland increased last year. He said: "We had 16 million tourists [in the Canaries] in 2023 and 18 million in 2024. In 2025, the number is increasing again. The government didn't do anything; it just spoke nice words with no real action." Article continues below When asked what advice he would give to Brits considering a holiday in the Canary Islands this year, Ivan was forthright. He explained: "The situation is really critical, no-one who wants to enjoy holidays with peace would come to a collapsed and congested island, it's simple there are too many people everywhere. "Local people are really tired and angry, they are showing it. If we can ask something, it would be, please don't come, we cannot take it anymore." Ivan and fellow campaigners have announced a major protest as the peak season approaches in the Canaries' popular areas. A press release on May 18 titled, "the Canaries have a limit", revealed that activists were intensifying their efforts. The statement read: "From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated." The group have pledged to disrupt public events, confront political figures, and occupy iconic tourist sites to demonstrate their resolve for meaningful change. The movement is set to kick off with protests on Sunday, May 18, which are expected to spread across the islands. This wave of activism, extending beyond Tenerife, aims to transform the Canary Islands from a mere tourist destination to a region prioritising sustainable growth over profit-driven hardship. The activists said: "The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few. "We are the Canarian people - a people who will not give up until we achieve the change we deserve. On May 18, the fight continues in the streets. What comes next will be impossible to ignore." Ahead of the protests in Tenerife, a separate "massive" tourism protest is scheduled to take place in Mallorca on May Day, Thursday, May 1. Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets to express their opposition to the Balearic government's policies on housing and mass tourism. Trade unions are gearing up for "the most militant demonstration in years." Article continues below
Business Mayor
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Mayor
Canary Islands chaos as Brit tourists told 'don't come – Tenerife is collapsing'
Protesters took to the beaches of Tenerife back in October to complain about the influx of tourists (Image: (Image: Getty)) Anti-tourism protesters in Tenerife have vowed to ramp up their demonstrations this summer after the Canary Islands saw a surge of two million visitors last year. The protests, led by locals of the Canary Islands, kicked off in 2024 with tens of thousands hitting the streets demanding changes, arguing that the archipelago was 'reaching its limit'. Initially, these actions were concentrated in areas less reliant on tourism, such as the capital, Santa Cruz, and were timed to occur before the tourist season hit its peak. However, due to the island leadership's perceived 'lack of action', the protesters shifted their tactics. In October, they targeted popular tourist spots frequented by Brits, like Playa De Las Americas, hoping to trigger policy changes to limit visitor numbers and second homes. Despite the international attention garnered by the initial wave of protests, it did nothing to deter foreign tourists from flocking to the Canary Islands. Will you still be visiting the Canaries despite the protests? We'd love to hear from you. Email webtravel@ READ MORE: Car free holiday islands in middle of World Heritage site that no Brits know about Numbers heading to Tenerife grew significantly last year (Image: (Image: Getty)) Ivan Cerdena Molina, an activist within the protest movement and a member of local environmental group ATAN, voiced his frustration that despite the protests, more tourists visited his homeland last year than the year before. 'We had 16 million tourists [in the Canaries] in 2023 and 18 million in 2024. In 2025, the number is increasing again. The government didn't do anything; it just spoke nice words with no real action.', reports the Express. Asked about the advice he'd give to Brits eyeing a Canary Islands holiday this year, Molina did not mince his words. 'The situation is really critical, no one who wants to enjoy holidays with peace would come to a collapsed and congested island, it's simple there are too many people everywhere,' he stated. 'Local people are really tired and angry, they are showing it. If we can ask something, it would be, please don't come, we cannot take it anymore.' Molina, along with other campaigners, has announced plans for a huge protest as the peak season kicks off in the Canaries' hotspots. A press statement issued on May 18 under the banner 'the Canaries have a limit' declared that activists are escalating their tactics. 'From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated,' it read. The group has vowed to sabotage public events, face-off with political figures, and take over symbolic tourist attractions to declare their determination for substantial changes. This commitment starts with protests beginning May 18, set to spread across the islands. '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.' With activism stretching beyond Tenerife, the message is clearly steered at transforming the Canary Islands from a mere vacation photo-op to a region focused on sustainable growth over profit-induced hardship. 'The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few,' the activists emphasized. They stand firm as the voice of the local opposition to a progress that deepens the rift of precarity. 'We are the Canarian people – a people who will not give up until we achieve the change we deserve. On May 18, the fight continues in the streets. What comes next will be impossible to ignore.' Before the protests in Tenerife, Mallorca will endure a separate, 'massive' tourism protest on May Day, May 1. Trade unions are gearing up for 'the most militant demonstration in years.' Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets to show their opposition to the Balearic government's policies on housing and mass tourism.
