UPDATE: The Canary Islands have been officially placed on Fodor’s Travel ‘No Travel’ list for 2026, reflecting urgent concerns over unsustainable tourism pressures. This decision, just announced, signals a major shift for one of the most beloved destinations among British travelers, known for its year-round sunshine and vibrant atmosphere.
Tourism in the Canary Islands surged dramatically in 2025, with a staggering 7.8 million visitors reported and over 27 million passengers processed at airports in just the first half of the year. However, this influx has led to growing discontent among local residents, who have organized protests against mass tourism, citing issues such as environmental degradation, rising rental prices, and increased traffic congestion.
Fodor’s Travel emphasizes that the ‘No Travel’ list is not a call for boycott but a necessary warning. The guide states, “This list highlights destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities.” The report notes that the local population feels the strain of tourism on essential services and resources, including water scarcity.
Officials indicate that tourism is a double-edged sword for the Canary Islands, accounting for over a third of the local economy and providing jobs for approximately 40 percent of residents. Yet, as Fodor’s notes, “success comes at a price.” The delicate balance between economic reliance on tourism and the adverse effects on the community is increasingly difficult to maintain.
In addition to the Canary Islands, Fodor’s ‘No Travel’ list for 2026 includes global destinations such as Antarctica, Glacier National Park in the USA, and Montmartre in Paris. Previously featured locations like Barcelona and Majorca have not made the list this year, but Fodor’s warns that these places still face significant challenges.
As the situation develops, locals are calling for a reconsideration of tourism practices to ensure a sustainable future for their communities. Many are urging travelers to think twice about their impact on these fragile ecosystems.
What’s Next: Travelers are advised to stay informed about travel advisories for the Canary Islands and consider alternative destinations that are not under similar strain. The growing awareness of these issues among travelers could lead to changes in how tourism is approached in the future.
For those planning trips, the emotional impact of this news is significant. The beauty and charm of the Canary Islands may remain, but the local communities’ struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the costs associated with mass tourism. As Fodor’s emphasizes, now may be the time to give these beloved islands a breather.
