Lanzarote reassures visitors amid Canary Islands tourism protests

The protests against mass tourism in the Canary Islands are scheduled for May 18 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. The organization Canarias Tiene Un Límite demands a reduction in the number of tourists. Lanzarote, through the Lanzarote Loves Tourism association, assures that the protests will be peaceful and will not affect tourists' stays, as reported by the Express.

Augusto Ferreira, the association's president, emphasizes that the protests are directed at the island's authorities, not tourists, who are crucial for the region's development. Lanzarote aims to showcase itself as a welcoming and safe place for visitors. The association offers tourists all the necessary information and encourages them to explore the local culture and nature.

Lanzarote Loves Tourism was established in October 2024 in response to previous protests that could have had a negative impact on tourism. The organization actively works to protect tourism as a key economic sector for the island. In 2024, the Canary Islands were visited by nearly 18 million people, including 6.3 million Britons.

Last year, residents of Mallorca protested against the excessive number of tourists. People living in places like Barcelona also complain about the crowds. In the capital of Catalonia, a march was held under the slogan "Enough. Let's Set Limits to Tourism." Protesters surrounded some restaurants with tape and used water pistols on tourists.

In Mallorca, some proposed solutions include introducing daily visit limits, similar to those in Venice, or promoting tourism outside the peak season. However, reaching a compromise on this issue is challenging because Mallorca's economy largely depends on tourism.