Lately, the enchanting Spain and its rich cultural diversity have been overshadowed by a wave of protests, confusing many tourists. These demonstrations are not aimless expressions of discontent but significant calls for change towards sustainable tourism practices.
Mallorca, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and the Canary Islands—each destination with its own personal charm, history, and beauty. But beneath the surface of this idyllic landscape lies a complex situation that affects not only the local residents but also the tourists.
Imagine this: local residents standing in the streets in protest, calling for sustainable tourism.
Why? What is actually happening?
For example, let's imagine a situation where, as a resident, you try to find a place to live or rent long-term in one of these places. However, you find that there is not enough affordable housing for local residents because all housing is converted and used for short-term rentals for tourists.
Let's add to that the problem of low wages in the tourism industry. We can all agree that working in a hotel or restaurant can be quite demanding. But unfortunately, Spanish wages don't really reflect the hard work put in.
The atraction of destinations such as the Canary Islands, Costa del Sol, or Costa Blanca is great. Places boasting sunny beaches, historical treasures, and vibrant nightlife attract millions visitors year after year, but in the meantime, the infrastructure and communities in these areas are crumbling under the pressure of increasing numbers of tourists, further exacerbating the housing crisis.
So no surprise that local residents who have been living and working in Spanish tourist destinations for a long time are literally getting under incredible pressure.
In recent weeks, news reported on repeated strikes over tourist accommodation on the Canary Islands. Local residents simply couldn't take it anymore and took their grievances to the streets. The core of the strike is, as mentioned, the uncontrolled expansion of tourist accommodation, which burdens local resources, worsens housing availability, and further disrupts ecological and social balance. These strikes call for a new tourism model that combines tourism with the essential need to preserve the natural beauty of the islands and the cohesion of the community.
Let's look into history:
To understand today's complex situation, which affects both local residents and tourists, we must also consider the history of some Spanish tourists destinations.
The Canary Islands have a long history of tourism dating back to the 19th century when European travelers visited the islands for their mild climate and therapeutic effects. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that tourism experienced such a boom, thanks to the development of infrastructure and marketing campaigns targeting international tourists. The Canary Islands quickly became one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Similarly, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, located on the Spanish coast, became tourist destinations already in the mid-20th century. Their pristine beaches, sunny climate, and picturesque towns attracted tourists seeking relaxation and entertainment. The construction of infrastructure, including endless rows of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, had to meet the needs of the growing influx of visitors.
Even though tourism brought economic prosperity to the regions, it also led to problems such as excessive construction, environmental degradation, and strain on local services. Costa del Sol also began to face problems such as traffic jams and a lack of water for constantly expanding cities.
The strikes are aimed at the government, not the tourists!
It is crucial for tourists to understand that these protests target specific government policies and regulations, not the tourists themselves. While local communities recognize and appreciate the economic and cultural benefits that tourism enables, there is strong support for a balanced approach. This approach requires laws and enforcement that not only promote the growth of the tourism sector but also protect the interests and quality of life of local populations, ensuring that they are not marginalized by the growth of the industry.
What is the government doing?
The government of the Canary Islands has already taken some steps towards more sustainable tourism, such as introducing environmental protection measures and supporting alternative forms of tourism. However, further reforms and efforts will be needed to achieve true sustainability.
The government on the Costa del Sol, in response to infrastructure problems, has implemented measures to promote sustainable tourism, including the protection of natural areas, the promotion of cultural heritage, and investment in renewable energy sources.
How tourism must change for the benefit of all:
Looking ahead, Spain imagines a tourism sector based on sustainability principles, ensuring prosperity for both the visitor and the local host. This progressive approach aims to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism, such as housing problems, by promoting regulations on short-term rentals, encouraging travel outside the main season, and promoting the exploration of less frequented locations. Each of these strategies is a step towards achieving a balance where tourism thrives without compromising the country's social and environmental well-being and the welfare of its inhabitants.
Through mutual understanding and cooperation, a promising future is on the horizon, where Spain is celebrated not only for its pleasant climate but for its commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.
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