Tourists vandalise over 230 sunbeds in Tenerife protest against overtourism
- In Arona, Tenerife, over 230 sunbeds were vandalised at Las Vistas and El Camisón beaches, resulting in damage worth over €5,000.
- Mayor Fátima Lemes condemned the vandalism, stating it harms both residents and visitors, and called for public assistance in identifying the culprits.
- The incident highlights ongoing local protests against overtourism and the economic pressures it places on the community and environment.
In the Canary Islands, particularly on the island of Tenerife, there has been a surge of protests against the effects of overtourism, culminating in recent acts of vandalism. Authorities reported that over 230 sunbeds were damaged on the popular Las Vistas and El Camisón beaches in Arona. The destruction included instances where loungers were spray-painted and their materials slashed, causing an estimated damage of over €5,000. The municipal leadership, including Arona's mayor, Fátima Lemes, condemned these acts of vandalism, describing them as attacks on both local heritage and the tourism-dependent local economy. She emphasized that this behavior is punishable by law and urged the local community to assist in identifying the perpetrators. The vandalism coincides with an ongoing campaign by locals advocating for changes to the tourism industry, feeling that the pressure from mass tourism has significantly affected their environment and living conditions. This discontent has been visible through various protests, including a significant demonstration on April 20, where thousands called for limits on the number of tourists entering the island. These protests have continued, indicating that the community's frustrations have not eased, leading to increased tensions between residents and the tourism businesses that play a pivotal role in the local economy. In response to the recent destruction, local beach service managers have expressed concerns about inadequate security and the lack of beach police presence, having operated without them for two years. The manager of El Enyesque SL, Braulio Melián Pérez, stated that nearly 10% of their sunbeds were destroyed, and the time required to replace the damaged beds could extend to a month. This assault on beach infrastructure not only impacts holidaymakers but also threatens the financial viability of businesses reliant on tourism. The local government is currently prioritizing the repair of the damaged sunbeds to restore public access to the beaches as soon as possible. While the council decries the vandalism, the underlying issues prompting these protests remain unaddressed. Concerns about sustainable tourism practices continue to loom large, indicating that the tension between maintaining the region's natural beauty and addressing the demands of the tourism sector is far from resolved.