Tourists desperate calls to Tenerife hotspot amid worrying threat for visitors

Locals say holiday hotspots in Tenerife are on the verge of complete destruction because of tourism numbers and an overwhelming urban development

Tourists are making desperate calls to Tenerife hotspots over a worrying threat to visitors.

They are concerned of their safety on the island after anti-tourism protests. People living and working in the resort have even threatened to go on hunger strike if new hotel construction continues. Tourism demands have sparked economic chaos in Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote as locals are pushed out of their communities tom make way for tourist accommodation.

Experts have claimed holiday hotspots are on the verge of complete destruction because of tourism numbers and an overwhelming urban development. BirminghamLive reports a local who claimed it was a "perfect storm" of bad planning and an unwillingness of locals to cope with over-tourism.

Nicola Quinn has lived in Tenerife for the last 20 years and says illegal Airbnbs are making life on the island "unsustainable". Nicola, of Moving to Spain said: "Significant tourist growth across many of the Canary Islands has absolutely had a massive impact over the last decade. Huge resort complexes owned by international brands are popping up wherever there’s any room left. These hotels are great because they create jobs for locals and, in the case of high-end luxury hotels, they attract high-spending tourists."

She added: "But these hotels are just one consequence of the Canaries’ boost in tourism. Due to the high demand for tourist accommodation and the lenient long-term rental laws that favour squatters, property owners would much rather rent their apartments to tourists on sites like Airbnb instead of locals. It’s safer for them and they can earn more money.

"This has caused an archipelago-wide housing crisis, where people who have jobs simply cannot afford to rent accommodation. Finding something as simple as a studio for under €1,000 (£856) per month is practically impossible, unless you can afford to pay for 12 months’ rent upfront."

Nicole added: "Putting a restriction on tourist accommodation in the Canaries is a solution that many people favour, but I have my reservations. Cutting down on illegal Airbnb rentals would be an excellent start. I’ve personally stayed in six private properties throughout the Canaries this year and only two had the official licence needed to offer short-term rentals.

"Implementing stronger laws that make it safer for property owners to rent their apartments long-term while providing additional social housing would have a huge impact, too. I understand that you can’t put these changes into effect overnight. But the current situation is unsustainable. When the islands are booming with tourists but the locals who make sure they’re well taken care of can’t afford to have a roof over their heads, things need to change."

The Mirror reported earlier how travellers headed Tenerife have been issued with an urgent warning over health fears. Restrictions have been posted by health chiefs which prevent them from swimming in the sea. And Brits jetting off there will not be permitted to enter the water at a specific beach. Visitors will not be allowed to go near the water over health concerns at .Playa Jardin, in Puerto de la Cruz. An 'indefinite' bathing ban has been imposed because of water contamination after wastewater pollution. The contaminated water was found after tests for E.coli.