Lessons Learned from the Citizen Hunger Strike in Spain

Tourism can become a mainstay because of this extraordinary natural gift. However, it needs wiser settings.

AFP/DESIREE MARTIN

Members of the Canarian movement protest against the construction of a hotel in Tenerife, Spain, Saturday (13/4/2024).

The demonstration by residents of the Canary Islands in Spain, Saturday (13/4/2024), exposed the dark side of the tourism industry. Residents feel marginalized by excessive tourism.

With a population of only 2.2 million people, the Canary Islands are visited by up to 16 million tourists (2023). All the commotion caused by the presence of millions of tourists is considered to degrade the quality of life of the Canary residents. The residents feel alienated in their own hometown.

Why are the Canary Islands so popular among European citizens? Firstly, the Canaries are relatively easy to reach. It only takes a six-hour flight from Paris or London, seven hours from Berlin, and around eight hours from Stockholm. Generally, flights have one transit, which travelers can use to stretch their legs.

Secondly, with its "affordable" location and cost, tourists flying to the Canary Islands can experience warmth. For them, it is better to swim on the shores of the Canary Islands than to huddle at home due to snowstorms in cities in northern Europe.

KOMPAS/PRIYOMBODO

Foreign tourists riding on a motorcycle without wearing helmets in the Kuta area of Bali on Saturday (18/3/2023). Foreign tourists who do not comply with traffic regulations while driving in Bali are still being found.

The problem is that the tourism industry often draws large investments in building a number of hotels. It is unavoidable that the construction of these properties also raises housing prices. Local residents, especially the younger generation, eventually become unable to afford to buy a house.

The presence of millions of tourists has finally triggered environmental problems. The tourism industry is causing piles of trash, noise from the busy tourist traffic, and the depletion of clean water reserves. The attitude of the Canary residents is considered extreme, with some going on hunger strikes, prompting the government to halt the construction of two new hotels in Tenerife.

In several countries, the tourism industry is actually relied upon to "boost" economic growth. France, Spain, America, Turkey, and Spain receive more than 40 million tourists each year. However, it is ideal to build a sustainable tourism industry to avoid development imbalances as experienced by residents of the Canary Islands.

What about the situation in Indonesia? Generally speaking, the tourism industry in Indonesia appears to not yet be saturated. In 2023, foreign tourist visits are only about 11 million people in this vast island nation. However, it must be acknowledged that there are affected areas, such as Bali, which seems to be a center of concentration for foreign tourists.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Foreign tourists pass through Gang 2 on Sosrowijayan Street in Yogyakarta, which is close to the location of the Sarkem Festival event on Friday (1/3/2024). The two-day event aims to promote various tourism potentials in the area.

Thailand, which has faced tourism industry issues earlier, has set stricter regulations for tourist travel. For instance, Indonesian tourists must have purchased a return ticket, reserved accommodation, and bring enough cash. Indonesia should be able to learn from Thailand to implement similar measures to ensure the presence of high-quality foreign tourists.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has planned to implement a quota system for natural water tourism activities, such as in the conservation area of ​​Gili Matra Island in West Nusa Tenggara. If this quota system plan has been implemented, ideally the government can continue to improve it after weighing the conservation function and tourism needs to improve the welfare of local people.

We know that this country needs alternative sources of income amid the changing times. Tourism can be a mainstay because God has bestowed upon us this extraordinary nature and culture. However, there needs to be wiser regulation of the tourism industry in order for it to be beneficial for all.

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

Foreign tourists boarded a pompong boat on the Siberut River to travel to the traditional village of the Mentawai tribe in South Siberut District, Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra on Tuesday (26/9/2023).