Lanzarote reassures tourists amidst Canary Islands protests

Protests against mass tourism in the Canary Islands are scheduled for 18th May. The organisation 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. This information was provided by "Express".

Augusto Ferreira, the association's president, emphasises that the protests are directed at the island's authorities, not tourists, who are crucial for the region's development. Lanzarote wants to demonstrate that it is a welcoming and safe place for visitors. The association provides tourists with 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 harmed tourism. The organisation 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 shot at tourists with water pistols.

In Mallorca, among the proposed solutions are introducing daily visit limits (similar to 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.