Most parts of the world are crying out for more tourism, it brings plenty of people who are willing to spend loads of money.
But there’s one popular holiday hotspot which has declared that it’s ‘facing collapse’ if it continues to be so popular as a tourist destination.
Naturally it’s one of those places which Brits particularly adore, and last year it received a whopping 48 million visits to the region of which about half were from UK nationals.
While tourists bring money they also clog up the place, commandeer local resources and can generally be a hell of a nuisance for the people who actually live somewhere.
This is why visitors to the Canary Islands will need to watch out for a ‘tourist tax’ which is soon to be imposed on those with an idea to head off for some sun, sea and sand in Tenerife.
It’s a lovely place but if you want to visit some of the most popular tourist hotspots you’ll soon need to pay more. (Getty Stock Photo)
Tenerife has been beset by major protests from locals who have declared that the island is ‘not for sale’ and that action needs to be taken against the millions of tourists who visit each year.
Tourism makes up about 35 percent of the economy in the Canary Islands, but short term rentals and the construction of more hotels is pushing up the cost of housing for people who actually live there – as well as environmental concerns.
Now it has been reported by The Sun that from the beginning of 2025, a new tax system will be enforced that will levy a charge – which has yet to be confirmed – on tourists visiting popular tourism hotspots in the Canary Islands, with the proceeds going towards upkeep of these places.
The tourist tax won’t be levied on people for just visiting the place but instead will be for those wanting specific access to the most popular spots on the islands.
It turns out there is such a thing as too many tourists. (Getty Stock Photo)
Tenerife’s president Rosa Dávila spoke about the need to ‘value and respect our natural and cultural wealth’ and keep in mind how to preserve it.
She said: “We must analyze the exceptionalities that can be applied in a territory as fragile and limited as ours. What is clear is that Tenerife cannot be a theme park.
“Those who visit us have to value and respect our natural and cultural wealth, our resources, and they have to be clear about the rules for their preservation.
“In addition, there have to be limits to prevent tourism from overflowing.”
They do not say you cannot come, but if you’re going to see some of the sights the Canary Islands are most known for then you’d better be prepared to pay from next year onwards.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Travel, World News, Money
