The Contrary Islands

Desperate tourism bosses beg Britons not to cancel their trips as safety fears mount over locals' ‘go-home' protest

- Zak Garner-Purkis

THE Canary Islands have begged British tourists not to cancel their holidays as tensions mount ahead of anti-tourism protests.

Tens of thousands are expected to take to the streets across the islands today, including in Tenerife's capital Santa Cruz, after months of rising hostility.

Graffiti has appeared telling visitors to "go home" but local officials are pleading for holidaymakers to come.

Tourism chief Jessica de León said: "It is still safe to visit the Canary Islands and we are delighted to welcome you." She said she understood protesters' frustrations, particularly over housing shortages, but it was "unfair to blame tourism".

The islands' president Fernando Clavijo Batlle accused activists "of tourist-phobia".

He said: "People who come here to visit and spend their money must not be criticised or insulted. We are playing with our main source of income." But many residents say more needs to be done to curb the impact of mass tourism, including pollution, and are hoping today's protests will be a turning point.

One campaigner told the Express the gatherings promise to be the biggest yet.

Iván Cerdeña Molina said: "We are expecting four or five times more people than the last demonstration in Santa Cruz, which saw around 10,000 people protesting against the touristic model and new hotels, so around 50,000 to 70,000 people.