On Saturday, the Canary Islands came together in marches across seven islands, including La Graciosa, to demand a change in their tourism model. Tens of thousands of people participated in the protests, expressing popular support for a new approach to their economy that would not be predatory.
The organizers of the marches called for both short-term and long-term measures to address the issues caused by mass tourism. They demanded a tourism moratorium, effective regulation of housing to ensure access to this basic right, including controls on vacation rentals and limits on non-resident property purchases, and the implementation of a tourist ecotax.
Despite some logistical challenges with starting the march in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the demonstrations proceeded, with other protests taking place in various locations across the islands. Residents showed their support for the call for change in the economic model of the archipelago, emphasizing the need for sustainability and addressing the challenges posed by mass tourism.
Political leaders in the Canary Islands have also expressed support for these calls for change, with discussions around the future of their tourism model and the need for reflection on their economic model. The push for an ecotax has gained traction as stakeholders come together to address these pressing issues facing their islands. Amongst these demonstrations and discussions, residents hope for a more sustainable and inclusive economic model that benefits both them and their environment.
