Lanzarote and Tenerife, two popular destinations in the Canary Islands, have been officially added to Fodor's 'No List' for 2026, with UK tourists strongly advised to reconsider travel plans. This prestigious list highlights locations where tourism is creating unsustainable pressures on local communities and the environment, particularly ahead of the busy summer months.
Rising Tourist Numbers Spark Local Unrest
During the first half of 2025, the eight islands of the Canary archipelago welcomed more than 7.8 million tourists, with airport passenger numbers exceeding 27 million. This influx has led to significant protests by residents in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote over the past two years, as locals express frustration over the impact on their daily lives and cultural identity.
Environmental Concerns Amplify Warnings
A recent report by France24 revealed alarming environmental data, indicating that wastewater equivalent to 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools is discharged daily into the sea surrounding the Canary Islands. This has raised serious concerns among environmental groups in Tenerife, who argue that the islands' ecosystems are under severe strain.
ATAN, one of the oldest environmental organizations in the region, told Fodor's that communities are "losing their identity, culture, and, ultimately, their right to exist as a community" due to the overwhelming tourist presence.
Fodor's Clarifies the 'No List' Purpose
Fodor's emphasized that the inclusion of the Canary Islands on the 'No List' is not a call for a boycott. Instead, it aims to draw attention to destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable burdens on both the land and local populations. The guide explained, "The No List serves a gentle but pointed nudge to ease up on a spot for now–not forever–and give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather."
Economic Dependence Versus Local Burden
For many residents, tourism represents a dual-edged sword: it is both a vital economic lifeline and a significant burden. While the islands rely heavily on visitor spending, locals often see little of the financial benefits, exacerbating tensions. Academics and experts warn that the combination of rising visitor numbers and a warming climate is creating an unsustainable situation for the region.
Shift in British Travel Preferences
Amid intensifying anti-tourism demonstrations, British tourists appear to be reconsidering their holiday plans. A study commissioned by Slice Mobile, involving 2,000 Brits, found that 56 percent of those who normally vacation in the Canary Islands chose alternative destinations this year.
Jenna Banks, spokesperson for Slice Mobile, commented, "It’s clear from the research that Britain’s love of Spain has been put to the test. We may not have said adios to Marbella completely, but with long-haul destinations like Dubai and America becoming more popular, finding a mobile network that offers great value international roaming, like Slice Mobile, is more important than ever."
This trend underscores a broader shift in travel behavior as tourists seek out less congested and more sustainable options, reflecting growing awareness of the impacts of mass tourism on popular destinations like the Canary Islands.
