Charles Esther
Two British women were caught on camera brawling in the street at a popular Tenerife nightspot, sparking outrage among local residents.
A shocking video shows the pair violently tussling on the ground in Playa de Las Américas, while onlookers jeer and cheer them on.
At the start of the footage, one woman appears to tackle the other, sending her crashing onto the tarmac.
The two holidaymakers then exchange several punches before bystanders finally intervene to separate them.
Incident Highlights Growing Concerns Over Tourist Behaviour
The clip, filmed opposite Las Verónicas—the main nightclub area in Playa de Las Américas—was shared on Instagram by the account @tenerifequejasvecinales, which often posts complaints from local residents.
This latest altercation has intensified worries about increasing anti-social behaviour by tourists in southern Tenerife, Spain’s largest Canary Island.
Social media quickly filled with criticism.
Many viewers expressed frustration over repeated disturbances in the area, with comments such as “This is becoming unbearable” and “What a disgrace, and it’s only getting worse.”
Long-Standing Local Complaints About Nightlife Disorder
Residents have long been vocal about the unruly atmosphere, especially during peak tourist seasons.
This violent incident has strengthened demands for increased police presence and tighter controls on nightlife activity.
Although authorities have not yet issued an official statement, the video’s widespread circulation has reignited debates about the effects of mass tourism on public order in Tenerife’s busiest zones.
Decline in British Tourism Amid Rising Anti-Tourism Protests
Brits have recently begun to turn away from the Canary Islands, with hotels reporting dips in bookings amid renewed anti-tourism protests.
On May 18, thousands of locals launched demonstrations across the archipelago, marching through streets and beaches to express their frustration.
Santiago Sese, president of Tenerife’s Chamber of Commerce, voiced concerns after revealing that British bookings for the summer have fallen 8% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, competing holiday destinations like Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Morocco have seen increases in reservations.
Sese also lamented that advertising campaigns aimed at UK tourists are failing to revive bookings.
Government and Industry Seek Dialogue Amid Tourism Crisis
The Canary Islands government is now pushing for emergency talks with activists to address the plunge in British visitors.
Lope Afonso, Tenerife’s tourism minister, stated his intention to “discuss the future of the islands” with demonstrators.
Pedro Alfonso, president of Tenerife’s federation of hotel owners, warned that “every small collapse has an echo in trust,” noting that falling confidence leads to halted investment.
He called for a return to “dialogue, trust, and common sense,” emphasizing the need to protect jobs and restore stability on the island, which heavily relies on British tourism during summer.
Rising Tensions Fueled by Housing and Quality of Life Concerns
Last year, island residents criticized tourists for turning Tenerife into a “tourism ghetto,” citing soaring rents, inflation, and rowdy behaviour.
Tensions have grown as tourist numbers continue to climb following the Covid pandemic.
In 2023, Tenerife welcomed 5.6 million visitors, a record increase of 600,000 compared to 2019.
The island made headlines in March 2024 after graffiti appeared on buildings, displaying messages like “tourists go home,” “your paradise, our misery,” and “average salary in Canary Islands €1,200.”
While some locals dismissed the graffiti as the work of a disgruntled few, many residents resonated with its message.
Voices from the Community Reflect Strain on Daily Life
Josua Garcia-Garcia, 33, a bar worker in Playa de Las Américas, shared his struggles with constant noise and high rents.
He said, “It can be a nightmare when the tourists come; I only get four hours of sleep every night because of the music and noise, which keeps me up until three in the morning.”
He called for stricter rules for tourists, explaining that many are unaware of the hardships locals face.
Rents have surged, and people on average salaries struggle to afford basic living costs after paying rent.
Josua added that he escapes to his family home in the north for peace, away from the saturated south where tourism dominates.
He expressed shame over how some areas have been overwhelmed by tourism and called for tougher policing and regulations.
Housing Crisis Linked to Airbnb and Holiday Rentals
Anti-tourism campaigners blame the rise of Airbnb homes and holiday lets for reducing long-term rental availability.
This decline in supply drives rental prices higher, as landlords prefer lucrative short-term holiday lets over local tenants.
Recent tenant protection laws, which limit rent increases for five years, may further discourage landlords from offering long-term rentals.
In addition, tenant eviction is challenging in Spain due to issues like squatting, making long-term renting less attractive for property owners.
Divided Community Debates Future of Tourism on the Island
Tenerife’s economy relies heavily on tourism, primarily from northern Europe.
However, the recent vandalism and protests have divided residents.
Some support the anti-tourism messages, while others condemn graffiti and lawlessness, calling for respectful campaigning.
Social media comments reveal contrasting views:
One resident pleaded, “We hate the 16 million visitors every year, the island has collapsed, and we don’t have any place to go, like you. Go home!”
Another wrote, “Everything is for tourists… this is our prison paradise. Just try to understand us local people. If you don’t, go home!”
Conversely, others urged respect for property and argued that tourism is vital: “Without tourism there is no economy,” and “The whole Canary Islands couldn’t survive without tourists.”
Many called for sustainable tourism that respects local life and adapts to the community rather than forcing locals to adapt to tourists.
Conclusion
The recent violent brawl involving British tourists in Tenerife is a symptom of broader tensions between locals and the booming tourist industry.
As anti-tourism protests grow and bookings decline, Tenerife faces urgent challenges to balance economic reliance on visitors with the quality of life for its residents.
Finding sustainable solutions and fostering dialogue between all stakeholders will be crucial for the island’s future stability and prosperity.
