Canary Islands protests spark debate on balancing tourism

Protests against mass tourism in the Canary Islands are scheduled for May 18th. The organization Canarias Tiene Un Límite is calling for a reduction in the number of tourists. Lanzarote, through the Lanzarote Loves Tourism association, assures that the protests will be peaceful and will not affect tourists' stays. This information was provided by "Express".

Augusto Ferreira, the association's president, emphasizes that the protests are directed at the island's authorities, not tourists, who are crucial for the region's development. Lanzarote aims to show that it is a welcoming and safe place for visitors. The association provides tourists with all the necessary information and encourages them to explore the local culture and the natural environment.

Lanzarote Loves Tourism was established in October 2024 in response to previous protests that could have harmed the tourism industry. The organization actively works to protect tourism as a key economic sector for the island. In 2024, the Canary Islands were visited by nearly 18 million people, including 6.3 million Britons.

Last year, residents of Mallorca protested against the excessive number of tourists. People living in places like Barcelona have also complained about the crowds. In the capital of Catalonia, a march was held under the slogan "Enough. Let's Set Limits to Tourism." Protesters surrounded some restaurants with tape and sprayed tourists with water pistols.

In Mallorca, among the proposed solutions are introducing daily visit limits, similar to those in Venice, or promoting tourism outside the peak season. However, reaching a compromise on this issue is difficult because Mallorca's economy largely depends on tourism.