Canary Islands anti-overtourism demonstrators have been left red-faced as Tenerife – where over 120,000 people took part in a march against mass-tourism in April and the consequences it has on local communities – has joined forces with Lanzarote’s “Love Tourism” initiative.
While these Spanish holiday hotspots were marred by protests over the spring and summer months, now more pro-tourism voices have emerged, suggesting UK visitors may feel more welcome when heading to the archipelago.
Lanzarote Loves Tourism, founded by Augusto Ferreira, is a movement gaining momentum not only in its home turf but also in other islands.
Appearing on a radio programme called A Buena Hora, he said: “When the Cabildo says they are looking for quality tourists… imagine if we go anywhere and they tell us they only want quality Spaniards.
“Our association will be called Lanzarote Loves Tourism because, although it’s in English, we all understand what it means and who the message is directed towards.”
The organisation has now partnered up with CEST, which represents approximately 500 companies in the south of Tenerife.
He explained: “They have contacted me, and we had meetings on Friday and Saturday.” He continued: “We will sign the first collaboration agreement with them very soon under the slogan Tenerife Loves Tourism”.
He also said, as reported by Birmingham Live: “We are very happy”.
Moreover, Mr Ferreira called on local anti-tourism demonstrators in the Canaries to be cautious when telling British tourists to “go home”.
The association leader stressed he defends “sustainable tourism”. Explaining his position on tourism to the Canary Islands, he said: “We defend sustainable tourism. It’s not about wanting more hotels; it’s about protecting our tourism sector and our tourists.
“We need to improve infrastructures because quality tourists expect good facilities, and we must continue enhancing them.”
And he also added: “We want any company to join without seeking the spotlight. The protagonist is Lanzarote and the tourism sector, which we must protect from certain challenges.”