The recent protests in the Canary Islands against the current tourism modelthe lack of housing and the overexploitation of natural resources have had a strong impact on the British press, given that the United Kingdom is the main source of tourists to our country.
This Saturday, the tabloid The Sun has alerted its readers that this climate of rejection of mass tourism can extend to another of the nerve centers for sun and beach in Spain: Benidorm.
According to this medium, the hotel businessmen of the Alicante city have admitted that they are “very worried” due to the growing anger among the Canary Islands, and have described the proliferation of holiday apartments in Spain as a “virus”.
Fede Fusterpresident of the local hotel association HOSBEC, said the demonstrations in the Canary Islands showed that there were serious problems that needed to be addressed: “We saw with concern how people in the Canary Islands were protesting a few days ago against the negative effects of tourism.”
“This is serious, it should worry us and occupy our minds. The delicate balance between tourists and residents that we have been able to maintain for decades“Fuster said.
Fuster expressed his indignation because those involved who pointed the finger at the hoteliers confused “Righteous for sinners”.
Instead, he launched an attack on the expansion of vacation rentals: “The genesis of this virus is called hotelization of housing and digital platforms are its carrier. In the last 15 years, this type of accommodation has gone from 4,000 beds to more than 400,000 throughout Spain, far surpassing the supply of regulated accommodation.”
“What were previously residential lands are now being hoteled for the benefit of a few who, furthermore, act with the most absolute impunity,” Fuster continues.
“And those who suffer the consequences are our neighbors, our employees, our families and everyone who we compete fairly“he adds.
Fuster also criticized the Spanish government for Do not make tourism “part of your priorities” and that this sector should be seen as a “source of wealth for society” and not as a threat.
“Tourist destinations are the best showcase of a country that can boast a high standard of living and great potential to be an example of sustainable planning and development,” he said.
