The Canary Islands have been hit by 14 earthquakes within the last two days, according to alerts from Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN). Its seismic data reveals that an alarming 11 tremors occurred yesterday, with another three felt today.
The European Macroseismic Scale EMS measures earthquakes from one to seven, with the latter category including the most destructive quakes capable of obliterating entire communities near the epicentre. Fortunately, the quakes around the Canary Islands yesterday were measured between 1.7 and 2.3, suggesting they likely went unnoticed.
Today’s trio of earthquakes were also recorded at 1.6, 1.9 and 2.2, with depths varying between 9 and 41km. IGN has stressed that such activity is normal in the region surrounding the Enmedio volcano, located between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, according to local news outlet Canarian Weekly.
Although these events do not pose a significant or immediate threat, specialists continue to monitor the region for further activity. This news comes amidst a wave of anti-tourism protests across Spain, including the Canary Islands hotspot. Last month saw the picturesque seaside resort of Mogan in Gran Canaria introduce a levy of €0.15 per person per day in a bid to ease the strain on public services from holidaymakers and to bankroll ventures aimed at ecological preservation and sustainable growth.
The initiative has ignited a fiery debate among the corridors of power. Several officials have resisted the move and called for a standardised regional tax to be enacted via Parliament.
However, the stance of holidaymakers appears to be evolving. Findings from the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics (ISTAC) Tourist Spending Survey indicate that 75% of tourists are open to a tourism tax, with many happy to shell out between €1 and €2 daily.
Local newspapers report that, according to the Nueva Canarias (NC) party’s estimates, a tourism tax has the potential to rake in a hefty €250 million (£207 million) each year. And while the islands welcomed an eye-watering 18 million sun-seekers in 2024, not all locals were jubilant some took their frustrations to the streets, armed with a slogan demanding dignity: ‘We want to be hosts, not slaves’.
Where the proceeds from the tourist tax would actually go is still anyone’s guess. The NC party insists that any funds raised should exclusively bankroll sustainable tourism initiatives and conservation efforts.
“The tax would have a specific purpose, with funds directed towards improving the tourism sector and preserving the region’s natural heritage,” declared a representative for the NC party, as cited by the Canarian Weekly.
Despite the suggestions, the Canary Islands Government – currently under the leadership of Coalicion Canaria (CC) and the Partido Popular (PP) – has rejected the proposal. They argue that it would be challenging to differentiate between tourists and local residents.
It’s thought that CC had been contemplating a tourist tax before protests broke out across the archipelago last year, but they subsequently decided against introducing such a charge, reports the Mirror.