The Canary Islands, a top destination for millions of tourists annually, is grappling with growing frustration from local residents who feel overwhelmed by tourism and what they see as poor visitor behaviour, particularly from British tourists.
Nestor Marrero Rodríguez, secretary of the Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature, told EuroNews: “British tourists are undoubtedly the worst behaved and show dramatic reactions in person and in the media when their behaviour and rejection by the local population is exposed.”
He added that overdrinking and violence often exacerbate these issues.
This sentiment is echoed by many locals who insist they are not ‘anti-visitor’ but are increasingly burdened by the negative impact of certain tourists’ conduct.
While nearly 100 million foreign tourists visited Spain in 2024, with 30.5 million heading to the Canary and Balearic Islands, residents argue that the benefits of tourism are not trickling down to the local population.
Guillermo, a local guide in Gran Canaria, emphasizes the need for respectful tourism. He notes that while many British tourists are respectful, a significant number come solely for the sun and cheap alcohol, leading to disruptive behaviour.
Guillermo stressed that the islands are not a theme park, urging visitors to be mindful of the locals who live there year-round.
The strain caused by overtourism is evident, with locals struggling to afford housing due to the surge in short-term rentals operated by foreign companies.
Airbnb, initially seen as a boon, has contributed to gentrification and displaced local residents.
Upcoming protests, including a major one in April 2025, aim to address these grievances and push for more sustainable tourism practices.
Residents like Guillermo and Nestor advocate for better regulation of holiday rentals, improved infrastructure, and more support for local businesses.
They encourage tourists to respect natural reserves, avoid all-inclusive resorts that do not benefit the local economy, and support local enterprises.
As the Canary Islands brace for another influx of visitors in 2025, the call for responsible tourism is louder than ever.
Locals hope that tourists, particularly from the UK, will heed their plea for more respectful and mindful behaviour to preserve the islands’ beauty and ensure a harmonious coexistence.
