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One of Britain’s favourite holiday islands may be turning its back on UK tourism after pushback from locals. Residents of Tenerife, the gorgeous sunny Canary island off the coast of West Africa are angry at the effects of overtourism.
Millions of us Brits will have visited Tenerife over the years – for childhood holidays by the pool to great value couples and family breaks at an all-inclusive. However, it seems the tide has turned and the locals no longer want us flying over.
The slogan “tourists go home” has apparently become a regular sight on the islands. It’s seen emblazoned in graffiti at the islands’ pretty beaches including stunning spot La Tejita, states the Independent.
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Protestors have also asked the local government to make a move in regards to mass tourism causing damage to the island. "The Canaries are no longer a paradise" and "The Canaries are not for sale" were slogans seen waved at the demonstrations, claims Canadian Weekly.
Part of the locals’ fury is the impact that too many people may have had on Tenerife – the island has suffered from traffic jams, sewage spills and damage to environment due to the number of new hotels. Spokespeople for the protestors argued that "natural spaces" were being ruined and they even asked for a temporary stop or ban on tourism.
The locals want the pause to be used to limit how many holidaymakers can come to the islands using various measures. An eco-tax is one option raised with he extra cash going towards conservation of the island spaces and animals.
Campaigners also want second homes to be banned as they say they are "unsustainable". Tourists and non-residents buying up houses can also spike house prices driving locals out of their home areas – the same has been seen in UK beauty spots like Cornwall.
Tenerife is not the only place that wants fewer tourists to visit though. Amsterdam asked British men aged 18 to 35 to "stay away" in a campaign earlier this year. To make it a less desirable spot for rowdy holidaymakers, the city has already forced brothels to shut their doors during certain times of the day and night. Plus, alcohol can no longer be sold in some areas outside of designated times.
The city’s new campaign is called "Stay Away" which shows people seeing special warnings when searching online for specific terms such as "pub crawl Amsterdam" and "Stag Party Amsterdam."
English-speaking holidaymakers might be tricked by signs on 50 beaches in Spain into avoiding some beauty spots too. A number of fake warning signs have apparently been erected across Majorca – with English phrases warning of rockslides and saying beaches are closed, when it's not the case.
In Barcelona, graffiti claims that locals "spit" in tourists beer. Shops have even implemented new money making tactics. One spot that was sick of people visiting and not buying anything is Queviures Múrria, a historic shop and deli. The Barcelona store has warned tourists they will now be charged five euros (£4.30) for not making a purchase.
Around 11 restaurants and resorts in the Playa de Palma area of Majorca banned tourists from wearing football shirts, novelty street vendor accessories and strapless tops from their grounds. Spanish officials also sparked outrage by enforcing the new "six drinks a day" rule for all-inclusive holidays at some resorts. Meanwhile, Lanzarote has said it's trying to attract German tourists who spend more money rather than Brits.
Holiday hotspot Trentino-Alto Adige, an autonomous region of Italy, has decided it's simply too full and is looking to combat over-tourism in the area with new restrictions. No further hotels, Airbnbs or B&Bs may open in the area unless another one shuts down.
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