Jet2 boss Canary Islands warning over 'kill a tourist' graffiti and protests Jet2's CEO has issued a frank warning that anti-tourism sentiment and protests are driving holidaymakers away from the Canary Islands.
Following October's mass demonstrations by islanders calling out for tourism reform to protect their homes from overtourism, Steve Heapy, the airline's boss, said: "Anti-tourism protests and derogatory comments from local administrations make tourists feel unwelcome.".
The Mayor of Mogan in Gran Canaria, Onalia Bueno, recently announced a new daily tourist tax beginning in 2025, applying to accommodation across hotels, apartments, and holiday homes in the town to promote sustainable tourism.
He raised the alarm in the wake of sights like anti-tourist graffiti in Tenerife spelling out "Kill A Tourist" and escalating protests on the islands, the Express reports.
Although the tax is currently limited to Mogan, there are growing calls across the islands for further action to curb the negative impacts of overtourism.
