Anti-tourist ‘go home’ Spain demos grow as hunger strike starts

Activists on the Spanish island of Tenerife have launched a hunger strike against the relentless expansion of tourism in the Canary Islands. The protesters are demanding an immediate stop to the construction of a new hotel and beach resort in the island’s south.

They’re also calling for a freeze on all new tourism development projects. The determined group began their fast last Thursday night, after local authorities missed a deadline to address their concerns.

This action is part of a broader campaign across the islands, known as Canarias Se Agota or The Canaries Have Had Enough. “Either [the local authorities] listen or these people are going to put their lives at risk,” warned Ruben Perez Flores, a representative for Canarias Se Agota, speaking to the press.

Next weekend will see a wave of protests throughout the archipelago. Last year, the Canary Islands saw a surge in visitors, with 13.9 million tourists, a 13% increase from the previous year and six times the…