Thursday, September 19, 2024 The reduction of airline routes and a halt in hotel construction could play a significant role in curbing over-tourism in Tenerife , a Spanish island that remains immensely popular among British and U.S. tourists .
The recent decision by United Airlines to discontinue its direct Tenerife-New York route due to low demand marks a symbolic victory for those protesting the environmental strain caused by mass tourism. The move could reduce the influx of international tourists, particularly from the U.S.
, helping to ease some of the pressure on the island’s resources. Moreover, the call to stop further hotel construction is a critical step towards achieving sustainability. The current Plan Insular de Ordenación allows for the expansion of over 129,000 new tourist beds, effectively doubling the island’s capacity.
Opponents argue that this growth is environmentally unsustainable, given the limited natural resources and fragile ecosystems on the island. By limiting both airline traffic and new accommodations, Tenerife can focus on attracting a more conscious, eco-friendly type of tourist while reducing the impact of mass tourism. This approach could help the island protect its environment, maintain its cultural identity, and ensure the sustainability of its tourism industry for future generations.
In recent years, the Canary Islands—particularly the popular destinations of Tenerife and Lanzarote —have faced growing protests over mass tourism. Known for their stunning landscapes and mild climate, the Canary Islands attract millions of tourists each year, with nearly six million visitors, particularly from the UK, descending on the archipelago in 2023 alone. However, the influx of tourists has sparked concerns over environmental degradation, the strain on local resources, and the long-term sustainability of the tourism model in the region.
The protests have been driven by environmentalists, local residents, and community groups who argue that the current tourism model is unsustainable and detrimental to the islands’ unique ecosystems. At the heart of their grievances is a plan known as the Plan Insular de Ordenación , which allows for the construction of over 129,000 new tourist beds, effectively doubling the islands’ accommodation capacity. Protesters argue that the expansion of tourism infrastructure will exacerbate existing environmental problems and overwhelm the islands’ limited resources.
The demonstrations have now scored a significant victory: United Airlines (UA), one of the few airlines offering direct transatlantic flights to Tenerife, announced it would discontinue its Tenerife-New York route in April 2025 due to low passenger numbers. This move is seen as a small but symbolic win for those advocating against the unchecked growth of mass tourism in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands have long been a favorite destination for European tourists, particularly those from the UK, Germany, and Spain, looking for year-round sunshine and affordable holiday packages.
However, the rapid increase in tourism numbers has put immense pressure on the islands’ natural environment, infrastructure, and local communities. The Plan Insular de Ordenación , designed to boost the islands’ tourism capacity, has been a focal point of controversy. The plan would allow for the construction of 129,000 additional tourist beds, with critics pointing out that this would double the islands’ current capacity.
Proponents of the plan argue that expanding the tourism infrastructure is essential for economic growth, job creation, and maintaining the islands’ position as a top destination in Europe. However, environmentalists and local residents have raised concerns about the environmental impact of this expansion. The islands, which are home to fragile ecosystems and unique biodiversity, are already facing challenges such as water shortages, deforestation, and pollution.
Opponents of the plan argue that increasing tourism numbers without implementing sustainable practices will only worsen these issues, leading to long-term damage to the islands’ natural beauty. As the protests have gained momentum, they have begun to influence the broader conversation about tourism in the Canary Islands. One of the key developments in this ongoing debate is the decision by United Airlines to end its direct transatlantic flights between Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New York.
The airline cited low passenger demand as the reason for discontinuing the route, which had initially been extended to offer year-round service in June 2024. The route was seen as a major convenience for American travelers looking to visit Tenerife, significantly reducing travel time compared to connecting flights through European hubs. Operating three times a week using Boeing 757-200 aircraft, the direct route provided a quicker and more efficient way for travelers from North America to reach one of Spain’s most sought-after destinations.
However, despite an increase in American visitors to Tenerife—over 36,500 American tourists visited the island in 2023, a nearly 38% increase from the previous year—the route struggled to attract sufficient passenger numbers to justify its continuation. Data shared by Enilria in June 2024 indicated that the Tenerife-New York route ranked among United Airlines’ worst-performing international routes from Newark. A spokesperson for United Airlines explained that the company regularly adjusts its schedule for various reasons, including demand, network needs, and broader market conditions.
While the low demand was the official reason for the route’s cancellation, many protesters against mass tourism in Tenerife view the airline’s decision as a symbolic victory in their fight against the expansion of the tourism industry on the island. The issue of mass tourism is not unique to the Canary Islands. Across Europe, popular tourist destinations have been grappling with the negative consequences of over-tourism, including environmental degradation, overcrowding, and the loss of local culture and identity.
The situation in the Canary Islands is particularly acute because of the archipelago’s relatively small size and limited resources. Protesters argue that the Plan Insular de Ordenación represents a legacy of outdated and discredited tourism models that prioritize short-term economic gain over long-term sustainability. The plan’s goal of increasing the number of tourist accommodations by 129,000 beds is seen by many as unsustainable and potentially damaging to the environment.
The Canary Islands’ unique landscapes—including volcanic terrain, beaches, and protected natural parks—are vulnerable to the pressures of mass tourism. Water resources are particularly scarce, and the islands rely heavily on desalination plants to meet the needs of both residents and tourists. The expansion of hotels and other tourist facilities will place additional strain on these resources, leading to concerns about the islands’ ability to maintain their environmental and cultural integrity in the face of growing tourism numbers.
The decision by United Airlines to discontinue its direct Tenerife-New York route may be a reflection of broader shifts in the global tourism industry. As travelers become more aware of the environmental impact of their trips, there is growing demand for more sustainable tourism options. This shift in consumer preferences could have significant implications for destinations like the Canary Islands, where mass tourism has long been the dominant economic model.
In recent years, there has been increased interest in sustainable tourism practices that balance the needs of the local environment with the demands of visitors. This includes efforts to promote eco-friendly accommodations, reduce waste, and protect natural habitats. In the Canary Islands, the success of such initiatives could be key to preserving the islands’ unique character and natural beauty while continuing to attract tourists.
While the end of the United Airlines route is a symbolic win for protesters, it remains to be seen whether this will lead to broader changes in how tourism is managed in the Canary Islands. The pressure to maintain tourism as a key economic driver is significant, and any moves toward more sustainable practices will need to balance environmental concerns with the need for jobs and economic growth. Local governments in the Canary Islands will play a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in the region.
Policymakers will need to consider how to balance the competing interests of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the quality of life for local residents. At the same time, global airlines like United will continue to be key players in the tourism landscape. Decisions about flight routes and frequency are often based on broader economic considerations, but they also have significant impacts on the destinations they serve.
As airlines respond to changing consumer preferences and market conditions, the role they play in shaping the future of tourism will become increasingly important. The Canary Islands find themselves at a crossroads. On the one hand, tourism remains a vital part of the islands’ economy, providing jobs and income for thousands of residents.
On the other hand, the environmental and social impacts of mass tourism are becoming harder to ignore. The decision by United Airlines to end its direct Tenerife-New York route is just one small development in the broader debate about the future of tourism in the Canary Islands. For protesters, it represents a victory in their fight against unsustainable tourism growth.
But the challenges facing the islands are far from over. Moving forward, the Canary Islands will need to embrace a more sustainable model of tourism that protects the environment, supports local communities, and ensures that the islands remain a desirable destination for travelers for years to come. Whether through government policy, corporate responsibility, or consumer awareness, the future of the Canary Islands will depend on the choices made today.
The fight for a more sustainable tourism model is not just a local issue—it’s a global one. As destinations around the world grapple with the challenges of over-tourism, the experience of the Canary Islands offers valuable lessons for other regions seeking to strike a balance between tourism growth and environmental sustainability..
