British Tourists Abandon Canary Islands Amid Post-Brexit EU Travel Rules

British tourists are leaving the Canary Islands of Lanzarote and Tenerife due to a change in European Union rules that restricts non-essential visits for UK citizens post-Brexit. The new regulations confine UK nationals to spending only 90 days at a time in Spain, leading to frustration among travelers who had relocated to the popular holiday destinations.

Since the UK's departure from the EU, British citizens are now subject to the 90-day limit for stays in Spain and other member states. This has prompted disgruntled UK holidaymakers to consider returning home, abandoning their vacation homes in the Canary Islands. Spain has discussed the possibility of scrapping the 90-day limit for UK visitors, but any solution must come from the EU level.

In addition to the travel restrictions, UK tourists may also be required to provide evidence of sufficient financial means for their stay in Spain. This further complicates matters for those accustomed to extended stays in the Canary Islands.

Why this matters: The exodus of British tourists from the Canary Islands highlights the ongoing impact of Brexit on travel and tourism. As a popular destination for UK holidaymakers, the islands' economy heavily relies on tourism, and the loss of British visitors could have significant consequences for local businesses and residents.

The situation in the Canary Islands is further compounded by growing discontent among locals over the impact of tourism on their communities. Thousands of residents have protested against the surge in visitors, citing issues such as rising housing costs driven by short-term holiday lettings and hotel developments. The president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, acknowledged the need for tighter controls on tourism, despite the region welcoming significantly more visitors each year than its local population of two million.

"We have to put limits in place," Torres stated, recognizing the concerns of the islands' residents. As British tourists depart and locals call for stricter regulations, the Canary Islands face the challenge of balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the well-being of their communities in the post-Brexit era.

Key Takeaways

• Brexit limits UK citizens to 90-day stays in Spain, causing British tourists to leave Canary Islands.
• UK tourists may need to prove sufficient funds for extended stays in Spain, further complicating matters.
• Canary Islands' economy heavily relies on UK tourism, and the loss of British visitors could have significant consequences.
• Locals in the Canary Islands protest against the impact of tourism, leading to calls for tighter controls.
• The Canary Islands face the challenge of balancing tourism's economic benefits with residents' well-being in the post-Brexit era.