Protests Erupt in Canary Islands Over Mass Tourism

Protests against mass tourism erupted across Spain's Canary Islands, with significant demonstrations in popular resort areas such as Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote. Residents criticize the tourism model for inflating housing costs, straining natural resources, and disrupting local living conditions with noise and unruly behavior. Activists called for measures such as tourist taxes, restrictions on short-term rentals, and higher wages for tourism workers. While the regional government plans to introduce tougher rules on short lets, the protests reflect broader dissatisfaction with tourism's impact on local economies and cultures. The demonstrations echo similar sentiments expressed in other Spanish regions, including Barcelona and Mallorca, where mass tourism has sparked considerable debate. Despite the protests, the Canary Islands remain a major tourist destination, with a significant increase in visitors this year.