There is a demand for a reevaluation of the tourism strategy in the Spanish archipelago, as well as a pause on the number of visitors.
Police said 20,000 demonstrators turned out for the rallies, while organizers put the number closer to 50,000.
There were also demonstrations in Madrid and Barcelona in support of the rallies on the Canary Islands.
What are the protesters’ demands?
Protest organizers say mass tourism perpetuates an economic model that harms local residents. They want authorities to temporarily limit tourist arrivals to curb a boom in short-term rentals and hotel construction that drives up housing costs for locals.
They are calling for restrictions on property purchases by foreigners. The protesters also want residents to have a greater say in what they see as uncontrolled development that is…