El Médano Residents Rally Against Unlawful Holiday Rentals

In the picturesque town of El Médano, situated in the southern part of Tenerife, residents have embarked on a determined campaign aimed at confronting the alleged illegal operation of holiday rental properties within their community. This grassroots movement reflects growing concerns over the impact of unregulated tourism on local life and the need for adherence to existing laws.

Grassroots Movement Takes Shape

The Barquera Neighbourhood Platform has taken the initiative to distribute informative posters throughout the town center, calling on locals to verify the legal status of holiday apartments and report those that fail to comply with regulations. These eye-catching posters, now prominently displayed in numerous shop windows and on residential buildings, feature QR codes that link directly to official complaint channels managed by the Canary Islands Government and the Granadilla de Abona Council.

Victoria Colmoner, a spokesperson for the campaign, articulated the urgency of the situation, stating that the initiative is a response to conditions that have become intolerable for residents. She underscored the importance of empowering locals with knowledge about their rights and the steps they can take to address the issue. Colmoner pointed out that while the regional holiday rental registry provides a registration number and sign, it does not legitimize a property that fails to meet the necessary standards. She asserts that numerous properties are operating without compliance, regardless of whether they display the official sign.

Consequences for the Local Population

El Médano, with a population of fewer than 10,000 residents, currently accommodates approximately 8,500 tourist beds spread across nearly 2,000 registered holiday homes. Colmoner emphasized that this surge in holiday rentals is having a profound impact on the daily lives of the town’s inhabitants, altering the fabric of the community.

The campaign also serves as a crucial reminder to residents about the local regulations governing holiday rentals. According to the municipal rules of Granadilla de Abona, holiday rentals are expressly prohibited in buildings that feature shared access areas, such as entrances, stairways, or lifts. This stipulation raises questions about the legality of many existing properties, potentially rendering them non-compliant with local laws and regulations.

Community Solidarity and Action

The Barquera Neighbourhood Platform is actively encouraging communities of property owners to unite in their efforts against illegal rentals. They highlight that there are specific limits on the percentage of holiday rentals permitted within each building. Through collective decisions made in residents’ meetings, communities can take steps to reduce or even halt holiday rental activities where compliance remains an issue.

This campaign aims not only to raise awareness among residents regarding the legal status of holiday rentals but also to foster a sense of active participation in safeguarding their community. Ensuring that holiday rentals operate within legal frameworks is essential for maintaining the quality of life and sustainability of community life in El Médano. The residents believe that a united front can lead to meaningful change and a more harmonious living environment.

As the campaign gains momentum, it is clear that the residents of El Médano are committed to protecting their community from the adverse effects of unregulated tourism. Their efforts reflect a broader trend seen in various tourist destinations around the world, where local populations are increasingly vocal about the need for responsible tourism practices that respect the rights and needs of residents.

Key points

• Residents of El Médano assert that a majority of holiday rentals are operating illegally.
• The Barquera Neighbourhood Platform has initiated a campaign to combat this issue.
• Informative posters with QR codes direct residents to official complaint channels.
• Victoria Colmoner stresses that mere registration does not ensure legality.
• El Médano has around 8,500 tourist beds for a population of fewer than 10,000 residents.
• Local regulations prohibit holiday rentals in buildings with shared access areas.
• Communities can collectively limit or halt holiday rental activities through resident meetings.