As anti-tourist sentiment grows in Tenerife independent travel agent Michelle Davison has issued a clear warning for Brits
With escalating anti-tourist sentiment spreading across the Canary Islands, Brits are being urged to be careful about how they book their summer trip. Last year, a staggering 15.5 million international holidaymakers flocked to the Spanish-owned archipelago, seemingly undeterred by a string of protests ordering them to ‘go home’.
The majority (more than seven million) headed to Tenerife, the largest Canary Islands home to the world-renowned Siam Park, Mount Teide, and party hotspots such as Playa de las Américas. With its endless beaches, cheap pints, and year-round sunshine – it’s no surprise Tenerife has become more popular than it can handle.
But, in recent weeks – anti-tourist action seems to have ramped up, with a shocking sign threatening to ‘kill a tourist’ garnering global media attention. Reporters also emerged this month that activists had even gone as far as setting fire to rental cars to send a clear message to tourists.
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Michelle Davison, an independent travel agent, acknowledged the ‘worrying’ reports around increasing Spanish protests – but says it’s ‘important to remember’ these are primarily aimed at local government policies and not tourists. On Saturday, April 5, several Tenants’ Unions will ‘take to the streets’ to demand rent prices in popular hotspots are slashed by 50 per cent to make housing more accessible to ‘the working class’, a move mainly motivated by landlord greed as opposed to sun-worshipping Brits.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, the travel ace said: “Locals in Tenerife do have legitimate concerns, however, they also rely heavily on tourism to provide employment in many cases. It’s a fine balance to strike. Despite the unrest, Brits continue to show strong interest in Tenerife, and the Canary Islands, with no major impact on travel plans so far.”
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Michelle therefore recommends any Brits who choose to holiday in Tenerife this year book their trip through a travel agent or tour operator. “This ensures you’ll have support should the situation evolve, and alternative options can be provided should travel advice change,” she explained.
The travel expert added that most of the protests have taken place in the island’s capital – arguing there has actually been ‘little disruption’ in tourist-heavy areas. “It’s advisable to avoid any protest hotspots, and stick to busy, well-populated areas of the island,” she warned.
Has the rise in anti-tourist protests put you off visiting Tenerife? Email [email protected] for a chance to share your story