A couple, who are long-term residents of Tenerife, have contacted us at the Canarian Weekly to share photos of new anti-tourism graffiti on the island, their experience of targeted abuse for not being Canarian, and how the authorities have ignored their official complaints.
Preferring to remain anonymous, they told us their story, and we felt we had to publish it as they have made some very poignant points, as you will see in their frank, open, and objective conversation below.
“We are a married couple in our forties and residents of Puerto de la Cruz. At the end of May, we went hiking in Punta del Hidalgo. To our shock, at the beginning of the trail leading to Chinamada, we noticed graffiti reading "Kill a Tourist."
Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. The following day, during a walk to Bollullo Beach, we encountered even more anti-tourist graffiti and vandalism, including messages such as "Fu..k Tourists" and "Kill a Tourist" displayed along the route to the beach.
Graffiti at Bollullo Beach in Tenerife (Image: supplied)
We fully understand that the Canary Islands are facing serious social and economic challenges, and that many residents are frustrated by the consequences of mass tourism, particularly in areas that have become overcrowded. These concerns are real and deserve attention from policymakers. However, there is a fundamental difference between protesting against tourism policies and encouraging violence against people. No matter how difficult the situation may be, nothing can justify slogans that call for the killing of another human being.
What concerns us even more is the apparent lack of response from the authorities. We reported both incidents to the relevant Ayuntamiento departments in La Laguna and La Orotava (documents received by Canarian Weekly), yet to date, we have not received a single reply. This creates the impression that such behaviour is being tolerated and that action will only be taken after a serious incident occurs.
We also find it remarkable that at Bollullo Beach there is a chiringuito that depends heavily on visitors. It is difficult to understand why no one has considered removing the graffiti or at least reporting it. Visitors should not have to walk past threats and insults simply to reach a public beach.
Graffiti at Bollullo Beach in Tenerife (Image: supplied)
This issue is particularly personal to us. Some time ago, I was verbally abused at a bus stop in La Laguna solely because of the colour of my skin - white. I was told to "fu….off" and accused of taking homes and opportunities away from local Canarian people.
Thing is: I have worked here for 16 years, have residency, and pay my taxes here, as does my wife, and we often share similar concerns about the cost of living here and in the Canary Islands in general.
Experiences like this, combined with the increasingly aggressive public messaging, make us feel that the situation is becoming both unacceptable and potentially dangerous.
In our view, tourists are not the real problem, they are people who spent a lot of money to even get here, often saving and planning for a long time. The underlying issues stem from political decisions, insufficient regulation, and years of inaction in areas such as housing and infrastructure. Instead of addressing these challenges, frustration is increasingly being directed towards visitors and foreigners, many of whom are simply enjoying a holiday, studying, working, or building a life in the islands.
It is also worth remembering that anyone who travels outside their place of residence is, by definition, a tourist. Spaniards and Canary Islanders themselves travel abroad for holidays, work, studies, and sometimes to buy property or settle permanently - just as people from other countries do. One has to wonder how they would feel if they were greeted elsewhere with messages calling for violence against them simply because they were visitors.
We are writing because we believe it is time to have an honest conversation about what is happening, not only in the Canary Islands but in other parts of Spain as well. Legitimate concerns about tourism should be discussed openly and addressed responsibly. However, hostility, intimidation, and calls for violence should never be normalised or ignored.”
Following this conversation, Canarian Weekly has also contacted the two town Halls for a response to their complaints. However, at this stage we have not received any reply, but if we do, you will all be the first to know.
Graffiti at Bollullo Beach in Tenerife (Image: supplied)
