A Spanish island plans to make a pro-tourism movement an official organisation, despite unrest across the rest of the country.
‘Lanzarote Loves Tourism’ is to expand and run full-time after initially being formed as a response to the challenges facing the island’s hospitality industry. The grassroots movement will transition into an official association as a result of the group’s impactful presence at the World Travel Market, hosted in London last week.
The movement originally started to show support of tourists in Lanzarote as a result of demonstrations which unsettled travellers on the island. ‘Lanzarote Loves Tourism’ has now solidified into a structured initiative, and also has long-term goals.
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Lanzarote loves Tourism)
The group aims to gain official approval for its association status by the end of the month, and will be under the leadership of local business owner, Augusto Ferrera. Protests across Spain have dominated much of 2024, with major protests against tourism taking place in Barcelona and Majorca. The ‘Lanzarote Loves Tourism’ movement was developed amongst this growing unrest. The group positions itself as a defender of the economic and cultural benefits that tourism brings to the island.
The movement will aim to ensure that both sides, for and against tourism, will be heard in the future, as well as providing sustainable growth, managing negative perceptions and shaping the future of tourism on the island. Via an Instagram post, the group announced: “Lanzarote is a gem in the Atlantic, a paradise sculpted by fire and wind. Its unique beauty, from the imposing volcanic landscapes to the golden beaches, is a treasure that deserves to be preserved.
“We invite all visitors to enjoy our island, to marvel at its landscapes, culture, and people. But let’s remember that the essence of Lanzarote lies in respecting nature and the community. Every step we take, every corner we explore, should be with the consideration and love that our land deserves.
“Responsible tourism is key to keeping the magic of Lanzarote alive for future generations. Let’s value our environment, take care of our seas and landscapes, and celebrate every moment in harmony with nature.”
In October, the movement staged a march through the resort of Puerto del Carmen. Participants stated that tourists were ‘not to blame’ for the problems in the Canary Islands, while groups such as the ‘Canary Islands Have a Limit’ group, have argued that mass tourism was pricing local people out of housing and impacting quality of life.
Around 10,000 people took part in the protests that spread throughout Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and El Hierro. On one beach, Playa de las Americas, in Tenerife, residents were found chanting ‘this beach is outs’ as British tourists. Hours after the protests, ‘Lanzarote Loves Tourism’ took to the streets to express that tourists were always welcome on the island.
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