On Thursday, the coalition of eighteen groups that orchestrated the demonstration on April 20th, pushing for a fundamental shift in the Canary Islands‘ tourism paradigm, voiced their demands for action from the regional government. These demands were articulated in response to what they perceive as an urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the environmental and social impacts of tourism development in the region.
Central to their demands is a call for a complete moratorium on hotel and holiday resort construction—a measure they believe is imperative to halt further environmental degradation and social disruption. The groups stressed the immediacy of this action, particularly in light of ongoing projects such as the Cuna del Alma and La Tejita resorts in Tenerife, which they allege are rife with legal and environmental violations.
The groups highlighted their concerted efforts over the past six months to tackle the ecological and social abuses they perceive on the islands. They affirmed their unwavering commitment to collaboration and advocacy, underscoring the significance of collective action in effecting change.
The recent demonstration, which drew an estimated 200,000 participants, served as a poignant expression of public discontent with the current government’s approach to tourism management. According to the groups, this demonstration laid bare the perceived failings of successive administrations, which they accuse of prioritizing destructive policies that have strained both the natural environment and the local population.
In their critique of specific projects like Cuna del Alma and La Tejita, the groups pointed to alleged violations of environmental regulations and the erosion of public maritime land domain. They also scrutinized the government’s handling of legal matters, particularly the appointment of Jorge Sierra Riestra as deputy minister of Legal Services, which they view as a strategic maneuver to circumvent legal obstacles to project resumptions.
Moreover, the coalition denounced the government’s proposed draft bill aimed at regulating holiday home growth, arguing that it falls short of addressing the root causes of housing shortages and social displacement exacerbated by tourism. They voiced concerns that the proposed legislation may even exacerbate existing problems.
In response, the groups pledged to present formal objections to the draft bill and continue their advocacy efforts to ensure that any legislation enacted truly addresses the pressing housing needs of the local population.
In conclusion, the signatory groups reiterated their call for sustained citizen engagement and participation in advocating for a fundamental change in the tourism model. They urged concerned individuals to remain vigilant and actively involved in ongoing efforts to hold the government accountable and effect meaningful change in the Canary Islands’ tourism landscape.
