Worrying warning for Brits planning to visit Canary Islands over half-term holiday

On October 20, which is World Tourism Day, demonstrations are being held across "key tourist areas" in the Canary Islands as anti-tourism sentiment continues to rise across the region

Brits off to the Canary Islands for half term are being warned of looming major disruption due to anti-tourism protests.

"Key tourist areas" will be affected on October 20, which is also World Tourism Day and when the demonstrations are set to take place. Local news site Canarian Weekly confirmed that protests are planned for the Metropolis Commercial Centre in Playa Las Americas, Tenerife; Maspalomas in Gran Canaria; and Corralejo in Fuerteventura. Protesters have chosen these tourist "hubs" to highlight the social challenges assosciated with tourism.

Campaign groups are primarily concerned with precarious working conditions, environmental degradation and unchecked construction. Abeque collective spokesperson Ana told Canarian Weekly that tourists need to understand their impact on the island.

Anti-tourism sentiment has been rising in Spanish holiday destinations over the past year. An enormous demo was held in the Canaries on April 20, with similar protests held in the Balearics during the summer.

Jaime Coello Bravo, director of the Telesforo Bravo Canary Foundation, told Canarian Weekly that the Canary Islands government “has not engaged with them since the first protest on April 20, instead using vague terms like ‘reinterpretation’ and ‘sustainable tourism’ to delay real change.”

They added: “Coello believes the situation demands immediate action to address the environmental and social challenges posed by the current model.”

Protests will come at the same time as the expected release of a government study into alternatives to the current economic model. Protest groups say the current mode; “prioritises mass tourism at the expense of the environment and the quality of life for residents”.

Canarian Weekly added: “As the October 20 rally approaches, it is clear that the debate over the Canary Islands' economic future is far from settled. Protesters vow to keep taking to the streets until their voices are heard, pushing for a more sustainable and socially just model for the region.”