Mass Tourism: How Much Is Too Much?

Lanzarote used to be famed for its spectacular landscapes and unique volcanic scenery

, from the many national parks to the mountainous regions, this Canary Island was a geographers haven. However lately there has been less of a focus on the natural landscape with a rise in illegal buildings being built on the island, this increase in modern buildings is now threatening Lanzarotes UNESCO biosphere site.

Over 20 hotels have been built around the popular coastal resorts that offer a typical British holiday experience instead of focusing on the fantastic cultural treasures that the island boasts. If Lanzarote was to lose its unique scenic appeal then the island runs the risk of becoming exactly the same as some of the more commercialised resorts in the world, a fate that definitely is not deserved!

The increase in illegal building work on the island has resulted in the arrest of several businessmen and politicians who have put the islands UNESCO status at risk. Clamping down on mass tourism had previously stopped the island becoming an overly developed, culture less resort. Many people may not see the risks posed by mass tourism; from the outside it does seem that more hotels and facilities would be a positive change for the island however the environmental impact would be great.

Lanzarote is the only full island to have been granted the UNESCO biosphere status which considers the environmental impact and ecological charm of the destination.

Lanzarote especially has been described as being able to perfectly blend the tourism infrastructure with the beautiful, inhospitable environment. Almost half of the island is taken up by the Timanfaya National Park, a volcanic nature reserve that offers spectacular views across some of the most fascinating crater filled landscapes.

One of the most famous names in Lanzarote, and in the whole of the Canary Islands is Ceser Manrique, an architect responsible some of the key buildings and attractions across the islands. Due to Manriques view of the damaging effects of mass tourism, he campaigned to ensure that Lanzarote would not be over populated with the generic grey tower blocks that have taken over some of the other popular Spanish resorts.

The threat of losing one of Lanzarotes most desirable statuses may force island officials to take action and start blowing the whistle on the many illegal buildings on the island. With so much natural beauty in one place, it seems a shame to risk it just for the sake of a few more hotel rooms.

by: Flint Legg

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