THE Canary Islands have begged British tourists not to cancel their holidays as tensions mount ahead of anti-tourism protests.
Tens of thousands are expected to take to the streets across the islands today, including in Tenerife's capital Santa Cruz, after months of rising hostility.
Graffiti has appeared telling visitors to "go home" but local officials are pleading for holidaymakers to come.
Tourism chief Jessica de León said: "It is still safe to visit the Canary Islands and we are delighted to welcome you." She said she understood protesters' frustrations, particularly over housing shortages, but it was "unfair to blame tourism".
The islands' president Fernando Clavijo Batlle accused activists "of tourist-phobia".
He said: "People who come here to visit and spend their money must not be criticised or insulted. We are playing with our main source of income." But many residents say more needs to be done to curb the impact of mass tourism, including pollution, and are hoping today's protests will be a turning point.
One campaigner told the Express the gatherings promise to be the biggest yet.
Iván Cerdeña Molina said: "We are expecting four or five times more people than the last demonstration in Santa Cruz, which saw around 10,000 people protesting against the touristic model and new hotels, so around 50,000 to 70,000 people.
This story is from the April 20, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 20, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PEP'S MAD FOUR IT
PEP GUARDIOLA admitted it felt \"insane\" to lead Manchester City to an historic fourth top-flight title in a row.
Klopp feels the love as Anfield says 'Danke'
JURGEN GETS A BIG SEND-OFF IN FINAL GAME
Lando closing the gap to Verstappen
NORRIS TAKES CHAMP TO THE MAX AGAIN
WORLD BEATER
Undisputed king Usyk defies the odds
Tired Scottie in late surge
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER'S unforgettable US PGA finished with a 65 and a huge ovation walking off the final green.
MPs accuse Bank of 'incompetence'
TORY MPs are demanding a review of the Bank of England's independence, accusing it of costing taxpayers thousands of pounds.
Danger cyclists ride roughshod over curbs
CYCLISTS are still flouting road rules in the face of a major clampdown on riders putting people's lives at risk.
Loser Fury blames war sympathy
BOXING superstar Tyson Fury blamed the war in Ukraine yesterday after suffering his first ever defeat in the biggest fight of his career.
Hole lot of problems on the nation's roads
WE WENT to the seaside in Kent last week.
It's Miller time for Sienna and daughter, 11
SIENNA Miller shared the red carpet with daughter Marlowe Sturridge for the first time yesterday at the Cannes Film Festival.