As the tourist season in the Canary Islands gains momentum, British holidaymakers have been cautioned due to the resurgence of anti-tourism protests organised by Canarias tiene un límite. The group highlights concerns over environmental damage, housing issues, and working conditions in the hospitality sector, with demonstrations beginning on 18 May in Tenerife.
British tourists planning holidays to the Canary Islands have been issued a warning due to the resurgence of anti-tourism protests at popular holiday destinations within the region. These demonstrations, organised by the group Canarias tiene un límite (Canaries has a limit), are set to recommence as the tourist season gains momentum.
The protests are scheduled to begin on 18 May at 11am, starting at Plaza Weyler in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island. In a statement, the group called on residents across the islands to unite against what they describe as an economic model that is pushing the Canary Islands to the brink. They expressed frustration that prior demonstrations have failed to prompt meaningful action from authorities, stating: “This cry, which reflects the feelings of a people tired of being ignored and mistreated, will be the beginning of a new stage of struggle: firmer, more direct, more uncomfortable for those who refuse to listen to us and take real measures.”
The protesters have highlighted several concerns linked to mass tourism, including its impact on housing availability, environmental degradation, infrastructure strain particularly on roads, and disruptions to the local peace and tranquillity. The group also criticised the Canary government for failing to implement promised changes despite ongoing complaints.
Further, in their latest communication, Canarias tiene un límite emphasised that the islands should not be treated merely as “picture-postcard backdrops for the enjoyment of a few.” They identified themselves as spokespersons for those opposing what they termed “false progress” that justifies precarious living and environmental harm. The group also pledged support for hospitality sector workers who have been striking recently, noting: “On May 18th, we will also take to the streets to denounce the precarious conditions in which our colleagues in the tourism sector work. Our full support to those who, yesterday and today, are demonstrating to improve their working conditions and those of those who come after them.”
In addition to the planned anti-tourism protests, Tenerife experienced a hospitality sector strike over the Easter weekend. Thousands of hospitality staff, including cleaners, entertainers, and restaurant workers, took part in a two-day work stoppage demanding better pay and working conditions. The strike concluded without an agreement, though negotiations are expected to resume shortly.
These protests are part of a broader pattern seen in other Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, which experienced similar anti-tourism demonstrations during the previous summer. The ongoing unrest reflects local communities’ growing unease with the negative consequences of tourism despite the economic benefits it brings.
The Daily Star is reporting that British visitors are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed about potential disruptions due to these protests when planning their trips to the Canary Islands this summer.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/why-british-tourists-are-being-urgently-warned-as-anti-tourism-protests-resurface-in-tenerife-how-spains-canary-islands-unrest-threatens-the-summer-2025-travel-season/ – This article confirms that British tourists are being warned due to the resurgence of anti-tourism protests in Tenerife and the Canary Islands ahead of the 2025 tourist season.
- https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/04/08/another-summer-of-disruption-spains-anti-tourism-protests-reignite-ahead-of-easter-break – This source details the anti-tourism protests across Spain including Canary Islands, mentioning the tension caused by mass tourism on housing, environment, infrastructure, and local life.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_anti-tourism_protests_in_Spain – The Wikipedia page documents the 2024 anti-tourism protests in Canary Islands, supporting claims about the scale of demonstrations, their reasons such as environmental and housing concerns, and the activists’ demands.
- https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/starving-place-activists-risk-lives-protest-over-canary-islands-tourism – This report highlights activists protesting the tourism industry in the Canary Islands, especially concerning environmental degradation and resistance to tourism development, and the criticism of government inaction.
- https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/spain/experiences/news/if-youre-traveling-to-spain-in-2025-expect-more-tourism-protests – This source contextualizes the ongoing pattern of tourism protests in Spain, including the Canary Islands, and describes how protests have targeted the tourism sector and impacted visitors.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The information appears to be recent, mentioning upcoming protests starting on 18 May. It aligns with current events without clear signs of being recycled.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Direct quotes are attributed to a statement by the group ‘Canarias tiene un límite,’ but the original source or date could not be verified online. This might indicate original or recent use of the quote.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Daily Star, which is not considered a premier news outlet but is well-known. Its reliability can vary depending on the topic.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about anti-tourism protests and strikes are plausible given broader trends in Spanish cities. The narrative aligns with known issues related to tourism in the Canary Islands.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative contains plausible claims about upcoming protests in the Canary Islands, with recent events supporting its freshness. However, the source reliability is moderate due to the publication’s mixed reputation.
