Tenerife Tourism Turmoil: Anti-Tourist Attacks Target Rental Cars Ahead of Easter
With the Easter holidays fast approaching, many families and holidaymakers may be planning trips to the sunny Canary Islands, including the popular destination of Tenerife. However, the island is currently grappling with a suspected wave of anti-tourist attacks that have recently come to light, casting a shadow over travel plans.
Investigation Launched into Vandalism of Rental Vehicles
Local police officers have launched an investigation into an incident that occurred in the early hours of March 1, where approximately 11 rental vehicles had their tyres slashed in Sibora, a quiet coastal area within the municipality of Los Tilos. This region is particularly favoured by British tourists. Civil Guard investigators are probing whether the vandalism was carried out by a group protesting the effects of mass tourism on the island.
This is not an isolated event. In March, around 20 hire vehicles were set alight in Costa Adeje in southern Tenerife, an incident reportedly blamed on anti-tourism activists. A shocking video circulated online showed a group prowling a car park, targeting vehicles from Cicar, a local car rental company, while playing the theme from Jaws. The music then switched to Edith Piaf's Non, Je ne regrette rien as windows were smashed and a car was set ablaze with a flammable liquid.
Growing Anti-Tourism Sentiment and Protests
Tenerife has been at the heart of anti-tourism protests across Spain in recent years. In October 2024, thousands took to the streets with banners and signs, while Tourist Go Home graffiti has been scrawled on benches. Activist Roberto Mesa, who shared the car fire video but claimed no direct knowledge of the perpetrators, stated, Peaceful means have been exhausted.
Protests have escalated, with demonstrations in May seeing scores of locals participating across the archipelago. Armed National Police officers patrolled, and some tourists, like Alberto Babo from Ireland, reported being too scared to leave their accommodations. Protesters chanted slogans such as, El dinero del turismo, donde está? meaning The money from tourism, where is it?
Impact on Tourism and Industry Response
The backlash is having a tangible impact. Santiago Sese, president of Tenerife's Chamber of Commerce, revealed that British reservations for last summer fell by eight per cent year-on-year, with competing destinations like Turkey and Greece seeing increases. Graffiti messages, such as My misery your paradise and Average salary in Canary Islands is 1,200 euros, highlight local frustrations over affordable housing and pollution linked to tourism.
The protests have grown so significant that the UK-based travel body ABTA has issued guidance for members on reassuring worried clients. Susan Deer, ABTA's director of institutional relations, noted that British agencies are fielding more questions from customers concerned about anti-tourism coverage. In the US, travel agent Mark Meader warned that scenes of activists firing water pistols at tourists in Barcelona have discouraged some Americans from visiting Spain, contributing to a sharp slump in the travel industry.
Broader Context and Future Concerns
Thousands demonstrated in the Canary Islands last year, demanding action on issues like housing and pollution, with organisers claiming 80,000 participants. In October 2024, protesters stormed Troya Beach in Tenerife, diverting from a planned seafront route. Meanwhile, activists in Majorca are gearing up for another summer of disruptive actions through organisations like Menys Turisme Mes Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), which advocates grassroots efforts to combat overtourism.
As Easter approaches, the situation remains tense, with ongoing investigations and a clear divide between tourism-dependent economies and resident grievances. The future of travel to Tenerife and other Spanish hotspots may hinge on addressing these deep-seated issues.
