MADRID – Residents of the Spanish island of Tenerife are planning a hunger strike next week to protest against overtourism that they claim is ruining the popular holiday destination.

Canarias Se Agota (Canary Islands Sell Out) intends to hold a hunger strike on Thursday, followed by further demonstrations on April 20 in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Palma , the slogan is: “The Canary Islands have their limits”.

Ruben Zerpa of Canaries Sold Out insists activists are not against tourism. “Our islands have always been very welcoming to tourists. But we want a more sustainable tourism industry,” he told I.

“Tenerife is a small island with limited resources. Road traffic is heavy, there are hydraulic emergencies and hotels are full.”

Zeppa, a national ventriloquist champion, said tourism had driven up rental prices for locals.

“I earn around €900 (£770) and live with my partner but the monthly rent is €800. That’s Santa Cruz and it’s not even one of the most expensive areas on the island.”

Protesters asked authorities to halt construction on two hotel developments, Hotel La Tejita and Cuna del Alma, in Puerto Adeje, Tenerife. Both projects were previously halted by the local government of the Canary Islands due to environmental violations and violations, but construction work has recently resumed.

Spain attracted 17.3 million British tourists last year, with the Canary Islands accounting for the largest number at 31%, according to the Spanish National Institute of Statistics.

“As a Brit who has lived in Tenerife for over 30 years, I understand the concerns expressed by some about the impact of mass tourism, including the massive increase in digital nomads since the pandemic,” lives in Tegste Karl Mclaughlin, a university lecturer in Tenerife, told I.

“Many owners prefer to rent to high-paying tourists, while locals are priced out of the market.”

Jorge Marichal, president of the Ashotel hoteliers association, said he had received calls from Britons asking whether it was safe to travel to Tenerife.

“It’s normal for islanders to have a certain uneasiness, because I feel that way too,” he told Popular Science Radio.

“We have to understand that travel patterns have changed because of technology and Airbnb, and owners have turned these properties into very lightly regulated businesses, and the growth in travel accommodation has not been matched by investment in infrastructure.”

Rosa Davila, president of Tenerife’s parliament, said the Canary Islands’ “economic model” is based on tourism, which helps improve the quality of life in the island’s society and provides the majority of employment opportunities.

“We have always supported a tourism industry that supports quality of life, employment and the protection of natural resources. Quality versus quantity. We are far removed from those who take radical positions, but we are ready to speak and listen,” she said.