Protests have taken place against mass-tourism in the Canary Islands with further rows erupting. Plans have been halted which aimed to double the tourist capacity of Gran Canaria doubled.
The plan allowed for the construction of 129,000 new tourist beds – this increased accommodation would create increased space for travellers on the island.
This has now been cancelled after protests erupted over the idea. Both the Government of the Canary Islands and the tourism industry have acknowledged the need for a revised approach, according to a statement from the environmental association Ben Magec.
In a statement, he said: “Such growth forecasts seem like an attempt to continue with a developmental model that is already collapsing. The worst part is that this planning involves the destruction of ecosystems that had remained relatively protected from the impact of the tourism industry.”
It has been raised as an issue that these growth forecasts are inconsistent and do not consider the eco-sustainable model advocated. In the energy sector, the Committee criticises the plan for promoting the consumption of rural land and states that an increase in tourist accommodations would require increased infrastructure in terms of energy, storage and distribution.
It has been suggested by the committee that Gran Canaria should focus on restoring degraded natural areas, conservation and diversifying the economy. The committee have also criticised the construction of trains in the south of the island and permits which have been granted for a water park in Maspalomas.
The statement continued: “We demand that the Cabildo of Gran Canaria immediately suspend the development plans for tourism growth approved by its government in the latest Plan Insular de Ordenación. They should stop misleading the public with sustainability rhetoric while simultaneously promoting the most aggressive territorial policies seen by any previous government. The limit has been surpassed, and the will of the Canary people is clear.”
This comes after protests in Tenerife erupted due to overtourism which saw protestors go on hunger strike. Protestors believe tourism is preventing the growth of the islands and are instead hoping to secure a halt on construction of hotels and beach resorts in the south of the island. Tenerife protestors also want a moratorium on all tourism development projects.