**Tenerife Locals Fear ‘Collapse’ as Housing Crisis Deepens amidst Tourist Boom**
The Canary Islands, long revered as a favourite destination for British holidaymakers, are grappling with a housing emergency that some locals believe threatens the very fabric of their communities. As soaring visitor numbers fuel a relentless drive for luxury hotels and rental properties, many residents find themselves priced out, relegated to makeshift settlements reminiscent of “shanty towns” in the most unexpected of settings.
In Tenerife, the largest of the Canaries, it’s not an uncommon sight to spot elaborate hotel complexes rising above clusters of humble shelters constructed from wood, tarpaulin and salvaged materials. For hundreds of locals, including families and workers, these improvised dwellings have become the only alternative as traditional homes become unaffordable or are swept away to make space for the ever-expanding tourist industry.
A recent exploration by British podcaster Joe Fish shed light on the stark reality faced by these communities. Guided by Sharon, a British expatriate herself, Joe documented the resilience and camaraderie among those forced to take shelter on the periphery of affluence. Despite the patchwork appearance of the encampment, Joe noted a pronounced sense of solidarity among residents, the majority of whom are Canarians, though a smattering of other nationalities can be found as well.
Many of those inhabiting these settlements are in stable employment, working long hours in hospitality, construction, and other local industries. However, with property and rental prices escalating far beyond their means, owning or even renting a home has become a distant aspiration. Makeshift huts, camper vans and even decommissioned vehicles now double as permanent homes. Residents have created lively communal spaces, with fire pits and music sharing some semblance of normality despite the precarious conditions.
Sharon highlighted how these informal communities have fostered a strong sense of togetherness. She described how gatherings revolve around shared meals, music and warmth from a communal fire. “It’s very basic, but there’s pride in how people care for one another,” she remarked, pointing to the ingenuity and mutual support that have blossomed in the face of adversity.
The broader context, locals argue, is an unsustainable tourism model. Each year, the Canary Islands, with a resident population of just over 2.2 million, play host to upwards of 18 million tourists. In 2023, Britons alone accounted for around 5.7 million visitors, or more than a third of total arrivals—a number that has risen steadily in recent years. Meanwhile, many permanent residents are feeling squeezed out, struggling to access even the most basic housing.
Angelo, a resident of the fishing hamlet El Puertito, has become an outspoken critic of the pace and scale of development in the region. As he told Joe Fish, “They want to destroy this beautiful paradise. They aim to silence those of us who care about this place, but we won’t go quietly.” Angelo called for widespread protest, urging fellow residents to block further construction and protect what remains of their traditional communities.
Frustration among Canarians is increasingly turning towards tourism itself, not merely the developers. With staples such as water, public transport and housing feeling the strain, a growing number of residents have taken to the streets in recent months. Demonstrations have become commonplace, with activists carrying banners stating “Canaries have a limit” and questioning the distribution of tourism revenue.
The hospitality sector has begun to acknowledge the mounting dissatisfaction. TUI, one of the largest holiday firms in Europe, recently warned tourists about local protests and advised caution in certain areas. While denying that the bulk of blame rests with travel companies, TUI’s chief executive, Sebastian Ebel, pointed the finger at platforms such as Airbnb. He argued that short-term lets for tourists have left local people with even fewer affordable options, as landlords increasingly choose to cater to the holiday crowd.
Local business leaders have echoed these concerns. Juan Francisco Galindo, who operates a hotel in Tenerife, recently told Reuters: “Tourism is very important for the Canary Islands, but we have to realise that the collapse is total.” According to Galindo, unless more is done to balance the needs of visitors with those of permanent residents, the islands may suffer irreversible damage to both their social and economic wellbeing.
As tensions rise, the fate of the Canary Islands hangs in the balance. While the allure for British and international tourists remains undimmed, the silent cost is increasingly borne by those left struggling for a place to call home beneath the shadow of five-star hotels and rental apartments. The coming months may prove decisive as locals continue to demand recognition and a sustainable future for their home.