British tourists in Tenerife flash defiant gesture as locals shout 'go home'

Holidaying Brits refused to be put off by angry protestors around them as locals took to beaches across the Canary Islands to air their anger at the growing levels of tourism.

With tourism rates across the islands continuing to increase, locals had their say on Sunday (October 20) as they marched past tourists soaking up the sun.

While some Brits lay on their sun loungers totally unaware of what was going on around them, one woman managed to find humour in the situation as she brandished a peace sign while another tourist could be seen looking at his phone as he took time to relax in the good weather, reports Birmingham Live.

With the recent protests representing some of the largest that have been seen regarding the issue for some time in the region, 20 groups came together united under the 'Canary Islands have a limit' campaign.

One of their main issues put forward is the notion that the current levels of tourism are pricing out locals in the housing market.

One of those involved in the protests, Sarah Lopez, 32, in Gran Canaria said: "We need a change in the tourist model so it leaves richness here, a change so it values what this land has because it is beautiful."

As protestors could be seen making their way across the islands, banners were held aloft with similar anti-tourism feelings, with one saying 'The Canaries Don't Live off Tourism. Tourism lives off the Canaries' whilst another said 'Enjoying a day at your pool? That water could be going on food' as well as 'Macrotourism destroys Canary Islands' and 'The Canaries have a limit. More trees, less hotels.'

With it being one of the largest protests on the issue to date, it was reported by the Spanish government that 8,000 people took part in the demonstrations