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
SPURS IN FREE FALL AS BLUES RISE UP
Damaging setback to Ange's top-four hopes
Rocker cleared of threat over gun stage move
Gesture deemed not threatening
We arrived at Juno, battleships were firing ...we were petrified
WHEN D-Day hero Albert Fenton was hauled out of camp and told he was going to see his commanding officer he thought his war was over.
Dine and dash lawyer struck off
Disgraced solicitor failed to pay for £43 takeaway and Harvester meal
'Daddy's girl' sues after millionaire's 'secret will' snub
THE \"daddy's girl\" daughter of a £55million tycoon is fighting in court after she was left \"dumbfounded\" at being cut out of millions in his \"secret\" will.
Police scour farm after two men shot
THIS is the remote farm where a suspected teenage burglar was shot dead and his alleged accomplice left badly injured in what police believe to be a bungled break-in.
Jay Blades and 'broken' wife split after 18 months
THE wife of TV presenter Jay Blades has announced the end of their 18-month marriage.
War crime claims over West Bank boy's killing
ISRAEL has been accused of a possible war crime over the killing of an eight-year-old boy in the West Bank.
Ditching PM would make Tories look like a maniacal cult
WE DIDN'T need the local election results to tell us that the Conservatives are in deep trouble and their chance of winning the next election is vanishingly small.
New chief for Death in Paradise
Gilet to replace Ralf Little