Tenerife Anti-Tourism Leader Faces Hypocrisy Accusations

Brian Harrison, a 57-year-old British ex-pat from Bridgend, Wales, is leading the Salvar La Tejita campaign in Tenerife, advocating for measures to limit tourism and implement a tourist tax. Harrison, who has lived in Tenerife for over 30 years, has faced accusations of hypocrisy for opposing the very influx of visitors he once was part of. He defends his stance by stating that as a long-term resident, he has a vested interest in preserving the island's environment and culture. The protests he leads have drawn thousands of supporters across Spain, highlighting growing concerns about overtourism. While Harrison acknowledges the irony of his position, he believes that the issue lies not with tourists themselves, but with the overwhelming volume of visitors. Supporters emphasize that his involvement challenges the stereotype that all British expats favor increased tourism.