Anti-tourism activists in the Canary Islands have escalated their protests by torching and vandalising hire cars in Tenerife.
A shocking video shows vandals prowling a car park in Costa Adeje, targeting vehicles from multiple rental companies.
The footage captures perpetrators smashing windows whilst Edith Piaf's "Non, Je ne regrette rien" plays in the background.
One individual is seen pouring flammable liquid before setting a car ablaze in the video - shared by environmental and anti-tourism social media accounts across Tenerife.
The anti-tourism movement has been gaining momentum across the archipelago in recent months.
Last July, a staggering 200,000 people took to Tenerife's streets to demonstrate against mass tourism.
While in October, hundreds of protesters stormed Troya beach, confronting sunbathing holidaymakers with slogans like "More tourists, more misery".
Similar demonstrations occurred on Gran Canaria.
Alarming graffiti has appeared across the islands, with messages telling tourists to "go home" and even more disturbing phrases like "kill a tourist".
Spain's National Police have launched an investigation into the damage of 20 rental cars, probing whether activists were responsible.
MORE ON SPAIN'S TOURIST PROTESTS:
Roberto Mesa, an activist who shared the video online, stated: "Peaceful means have been exhausted."
Mesa, who claimed he had no direct knowledge of the perpetrators, said locals feel ignored and their peaceful protests disregarded.
The Canary Islands attract over six million British visitors yearly - and tourism officials have warned that the protests could damage the islands' economy.
Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy cautioned the Canary Islands against playing a "dangerous game" at Spain's International Tourism Trade Fair in January.
"Anti-tourism protests and derogatory comments from local administrations make tourists feel unwelcome," he said.
Heapy warned such incidents could push holidaymakers toward destinations like Turkey and Morocco "where they feel valued".
However, not all locals support the anti-tourism movement.
When protesters stormed a Tenerife beach, some residents branded them "d***heads" for targeting holidaymakers.
While in Lanzarote, locals organised their own pro-tourism march wearing t-shirts reading "Lanzarote loves tourism".
Restaurant owner Augusto Ferreira claimed fears were being stoked by politicians "playing political games".
He told local media: "I have heard very nice stories from people who say their family live off tourism, and that thanks to tourism they are what they are."
Find Out More...
A shocking video shows vandals prowling a car park in Costa Adeje, targeting vehicles from multiple rental companies.
The footage captures perpetrators smashing windows whilst Edith Piaf's "Non, Je ne regrette rien" plays in the background.
One individual is seen pouring flammable liquid before setting a car ablaze in the video - shared by environmental and anti-tourism social media accounts across Tenerife.
The anti-tourism movement has been gaining momentum across the archipelago in recent months.
Last July, a staggering 200,000 people took to Tenerife's streets to demonstrate against mass tourism.
While in October, hundreds of protesters stormed Troya beach, confronting sunbathing holidaymakers with slogans like "More tourists, more misery".
Similar demonstrations occurred on Gran Canaria.
Alarming graffiti has appeared across the islands, with messages telling tourists to "go home" and even more disturbing phrases like "kill a tourist".
Spain's National Police have launched an investigation into the damage of 20 rental cars, probing whether activists were responsible.
MORE ON SPAIN'S TOURIST PROTESTS:
- 'Hit them where it hurts!' Britons fight back against new restrictions and anti-tourist feeling in Spain
- Britons turn backs on Spanish hotspot amid rise in 'tourist ban' and local protests
- 'I will never go to Spain again': Britons vow to boycott country amid growing tourism tensions
Roberto Mesa, an activist who shared the video online, stated: "Peaceful means have been exhausted."
Mesa, who claimed he had no direct knowledge of the perpetrators, said locals feel ignored and their peaceful protests disregarded.
The Canary Islands attract over six million British visitors yearly - and tourism officials have warned that the protests could damage the islands' economy.
Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy cautioned the Canary Islands against playing a "dangerous game" at Spain's International Tourism Trade Fair in January.
"Anti-tourism protests and derogatory comments from local administrations make tourists feel unwelcome," he said.
Heapy warned such incidents could push holidaymakers toward destinations like Turkey and Morocco "where they feel valued".
However, not all locals support the anti-tourism movement.
When protesters stormed a Tenerife beach, some residents branded them "d***heads" for targeting holidaymakers.
While in Lanzarote, locals organised their own pro-tourism march wearing t-shirts reading "Lanzarote loves tourism".
Restaurant owner Augusto Ferreira claimed fears were being stoked by politicians "playing political games".
He told local media: "I have heard very nice stories from people who say their family live off tourism, and that thanks to tourism they are what they are."
Find Out More...