Lanzarote has issued a stark warning to a certain kind of tourists to not bother visiting the hotspot this summer. The popular Spanish island welcomes three million sun-seeking holidaymakers every year, however, Lanzarote is turning its back against those who don’t respect the island.
In its ambitious new campaign aimed at transforming how both visitors and residents treat the island, it has sent a clear message that “We don’t want just any tourist”. The bold shift in its tourism strategy means the island is only welcoming those who have “love” and “respect” for the island at a time when its environment is fragile. As tourist numbers continue to surge and hotels continue to be built locals and officials fear the island runs the risk of losing what makes it unique.
Led by the island’s Cabildo and managed by SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote, in collaboration with a specialist sustainability consultancy, the initiative will focus on fostering greater awareness among tourists even before setting foot on the island.
Speaking at the campaign launch, Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Lanzarote Cabildo said: “We are sending a very clear message: Lanzarote doesn’t want just any tourist, but rather those who love and enjoy the island, who respect its uniqueness and contribute to its preservation.”
The project is not only aimed at tourists but also locals and businesses.
Mr Betancort added: “We are creating a globally unique model of ethical and responsible tourism.
“The aim is for visitors to understand, even before they land here, that they are entering a delicate and beautiful territory that needs to be protected.”
Concerns among residents remain high that mass tourism, particularly on the south coast, has driven up house prices and caused environmental damage.
However, this does not seem to be putting Brits off as the UK remains the largest source of tourists for the island, with over 1.7 million British visitors arriving in 2024 and 3.4 million in total.
Tourism numbers on the island continue to surge as in March 2025 alone Lanzarote saw a total of 325,730 tourists, a 1 per cent increase compared to March 2024.
The first quarter of 2025 saw 915,344 tourists, an increase of 1.9% compared to the same period last year, reports Gazette Life.