The Canary Islands are experiencing mounting tension over tourism. Despite welcoming well over a million international visitors each month for two years running, local attitudes towards tourism are turning increasingly sour.
A recent survey by LLYC reveals the region’s tourism reputation has dropped to 4.5 out of 10, driven by concerns over overcrowding, housing shortages, and low wages.
Anthropologist Agustín Santana Talavera from the University of La Laguna warns that the lack of open debate and clear action by authorities could fuel deeper resentment. “It starts with complaints and protests, but if ignored, it could evolve into hostility towards tourists themselves, what some call ‘tourismphobia’,” he says.
For him, the heart of the issue lies in the lack of transparent debate about what kind of tourism model the Canary Islands truly want. “Authorities claim we’re on the path to change, but no one has clearly said what that new model is, or what specific factors are being adjusted. If people can’t see it, it doesn’t matter what’s being done in the background.”
He stresses that the authorities and tourism sector have underestimated local dissatisfaction. “If nothing is done to improve this perception, it grows. It starts with annoyance, then graffiti appears, and eventually, tourists themselves are blamed for all problems. That’s when we begin to see what people call ‘tourismphobia’. And at that point, we risk genuine harm to the destination.”
Although there is currently no evidence that demand has been impacted, Santana Talavera insists that if the underlying frustrations are not addressed, it could eventually affect satisfaction levels, lead to a drop in demand, and damage the islands’ image.
“These are limits that I don’t think anyone wants to reach. It’s time to pay attention and think about medium- and long-term strategies,” he concludes.
