Canary Islands Face Mounting Crisis as Locals Decry Over-Tourism Impact TENERIFE, Spain – The idyllic image of the Canary Islands, often portrayed in tourist advertisements, is being challenged by a growing number of local residents who are highlighting the severe socio-economic and environmental pressures facing the archipelago. A recent viral video by a Canary Islander has shed light on issues such as staggering youth unemployment, a housing crisis, and environmental degradation, urging tourists to approach the islands with greater respect. According to recent data, the Canary Islands lead Spain and Europe in youth unemployment, with a rate of 28%. This stark reality contrasts sharply with the perception of abundant opportunities. The housing market is also in crisis, with salaries reportedly falling by 6.8% while rental prices have surged by over 40%. A significant factor is the proliferation of vacation rentals, with over 65,000 properties now designated for tourist use, exceeding 10% of the population in 50 out of 88 municipalities. Traffic congestion is another major concern, with 842 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants. Public transportation, while a potential solution, is hampered by infrequent services and overcrowding, exacerbated by ongoing strikes by tram workers. Environmental issues are also prominent, with more than 12 beaches in Tenerife alone closed this year due to fecal contamination from over 100,000 liters of wastewater discharged daily into the sea. Locals express frustration that their concerns are often ignored by authorities, who prioritize tourism development, including new golf courses and hotels, over residents' well-being. The video serves as a call for empathy and awareness, emphasizing that while tourism is vital, it must be sustainable and respectful of the islands' limits and the quality of life for its inhabitants.
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