Canary Island residents are demanding urgent change as they fear the region's economy could "collapse" under the weight of tourist demands. Experts last week claimed the islands, which have always been popular among British holidaymakers, were on the verge of destruction due to the overwhelming amount of urban development resulting from tourist demand. The islands are situated off Africa's west coast but are part of Spain, and include the popular Brit resorts of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
One resident alleged that the economic woes laying waste to the island are the result of short-term holiday rentals, like those booked through Airbnb. Expert Nicola Quinn, who works for the Moving to Spain website while living in Tenerife - where she's been for the past 20 years - said that illegal Airbnbs are making island life "unsustainable". She notes that tourism is not the sole reason, adding that the construction of large hotels is a positive as it gives locals job opportunities.
Speaking to the Daily Star , Nicola explained: "Significant tourist growth across many of the Canary Islands has absolutely had a massive impact over the last decade. Huge resort complexes owned by international brands are popping up wherever there’s any room left. These hotels are great because they create jobs for locals and, in the case of high-end luxury hotels, they attract high-spending tourists.
" She continued: "But these hotels are just one consequence of the Canaries’ bo.