„Kill a tourist“, reads a graffiti message in Tenerife. It is not directed at anyone in particular. The message is intended to act as a deterrent. And it is working. Already, more and more people are feeling less and less welcome in the Canary Islands.
The graffiti in the south of the island was quickly covered up. This is symbolic of the current political climate in the Canary Islands. Criticism is swept under the carpet wherever possible, whilst money from tourism – which now accounts for 40 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) – is gladly accepted.
The Canary Islands are dependent on holidaymakers. Never before have there been so many jobs on the islands and, at the same time, so much money. And that is why politicians feel troubled by the criticism. However, to ignore it entirely is a major mistake. For it leads to a growing disconnect between actual policy and the demands of many residents.
Canary Islands politicians and tourism critics are drifting apart
The more people come together to protest against something, the quicker public sentiment shifts if they are ignored. This has happened in many countries during the Covid-19 crisis. Regardless of whether it was right or wrong at the time, Canary Island politicians could have learnt from this dynamic to prepare for future conflicts. Instead, they are making the mistake of actively promoting mass tourism – which more and more people on the islands reject – in favour of the next budget.
Viewed objectively, this political course of action is actually understandable. After all, in places where unemployment has historically been low, things appear, on the surface, to be looking up. However, those in charge are overlooking a key factor: dissatisfaction is growing on both sides.
It is not only local residents who are calling for fewer tourists, but also an increasing number of holidaymakers themselves. They find themselves stuck in traffic jams on crowded roads, are herded by bus or hire car to overcrowded tourist attractions, and end up on ever more crowded beaches.
Our editorial inbox is full of letters from readers who say they are turning their backs on the Canary Islands for good after ten, 15 or 25 years, as it has become too crowded and is no longer any fun.
The Canary Islands need sustainable strategies to attract young holidaymakers
This begs the question: who is to take their place when the older generation leaves and the younger generation doesn’t come in the first place? ‚Generation Z‘ has become more choosy when it comes to selecting their holiday destinations. The world is not just proverbially their oyster. So, anyone wishing to attract tourists in the future should not be making headlines for overcrowding, but rather for sustainable approaches.
Sunshine and cheap hotels are a thing of the past. It is no longer enough to plaster trams and airports with pretty photos from days long gone. In future, holiday destinations will have to come up with ideas to attract high-spending tourists.
Were the critics of mass tourism in the Canary Islands right after all?
The bottom line? Perhaps the original critics were right after all. Their initial demands were, in essence: ensure a policy that brings tourism to the islands in a measured way. Market us as a more upmarket destination and, in return, attract fewer people who simply don’t care where they’re lying on the beach as long as it’s cheap.
Would the coffers still be just as full then? Who knows! But one thing is quite certain: at the very least, holidaymakers wouldn’t have to worry that, sooner or later, someone might take the matter seriously and act on tasteless demands such as these:
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