Canary Islands Investing €700,000 To Attract Digital Nomads Despite Local Protests

The Canary Islands’ government has plans to invest €700,000 to attract more digital nomads to the archipelago, despite locals protesting soaring housing costs and expressing environmental concerns.  

According to a report published by the Canarian Weekly, in a parliamentary session on April 5, the Minister of Tourism and Employment Jessica de León revealed for months the government has been working on a “specific plan” with a budget of 700,000 euros funded by the Next Generation European fund.   

Tourism figures were reportedly shared during the session. Jessica de León shared that in 2022, over 86,000 teleworkers contributed more than €167 million to the islands’ tourism revenue — with an average stay of 28 days. 

However, while the financial benefits are the main reason for promoting digital nomadism around the world, the locals of the Canary Islands are not so convinced.  

According to a report published by CNN Travel, locals in the Canary Islands are organizing a protest against “excessive tourism,” which many are convinced has contributed to a housing crisis in the archipelago. Moreover, protestors believe the influx of digital nomads have added to a significant slowdown in new housing construction, rapid population growth, and the rise of long-term holiday rentals in residential areas — all of which have led to place financial strain on locals.  

Protests are reportedly being planned for April 20 on six of the eight islands, with activists demanding limits on home purchases by non-resident foreigners. 

The mobilization of protestors follow Spain’s decision to terminate its golden visa program, which granted residency to non-EU investors purchasing property over €500,000 ($541,250).  While that may alleviate some of the rising housing costs, it doesn’t stop the fact that the Canary Islands has become a tourist hotspot. 

CNN Travel reports tourist numbers have soared from 11.5 million per year to around 16 million per year within the last decade.  

Spain’s internal debate over digital nomads’ sheds light on the tension between the economic benefits brought by foreign workers and the social concerns of the local population. It’s also not a unique challenge for Spain. Other EU-countries have experience similar challenges including locals in Greece and Portugal.  

Infact, data from Statistics Portugal reveals that a record 250,000 residents, representing around 5% of the working-age population, worked at least two jobs in 2023. This figure has increased significantly since 2011 and reflects a growing financial strain placed on Portugal’s citizens rather than experiencing professional growth opportunities. 

As the Canary Islands deal with balancing these factors, the government’s investment in attracting more digital nomads remains a delicate and contentious issue.