1.200 caravaners in Gran Canaria demonstrate their civic spirit: they demand respect

In the Canary Islands there are 10.000 families who own caravans. This Saturday at least 1.200 caravans managed to send a unanimous message to the officials who obey the orders of politicians: watch out, there are votes at stake. In an unprecedented event, 1.200 members of the state-owned Motorhome Platform (Paca) mobilised in Gran Canaria, claiming their right to enjoy the island without the intervention of the big tour operators, who are the ones who put pressure because in 50 years of tourism business on the island they have never been able to get their teeth into this sector. The caravan business generates an environment of spending in local commerce in the areas where it is located, as well as industrial expenses in maintenance and services.

The mobilisation, which turned Gran Canaria into a haven of freedom for caravan lovers, demonstrated that it is possible to organise mass demonstrations in a peaceful manner and with a high degree of civility. The Canary Islands Government has begun to draft a regulation to regulate the sector, and caravanists suspect that it will be tailored to hoteliers and tour operators. The state platform for motorhomes Paca, with a large number of members in the islands, claims that the Canary Islands are, along with Madrid, the only community that does not have regulations and they claim that they suffer discrimination with hostility and harassment from tourist municipalities. There are German tour operators who want to place this product in their catalogues and cannot because there is no regulation.

In the south of Gran Canaria, the GC-1 was a hive of traffic authorised by the Government Delegation in the Canary Islands. One of the highlights of the mobilisation took place in Arucas, where around 500 caravaners were stuck. Despite the difficulties, the exemplary behaviour of the participants allowed the situation to be managed without major incidents. The caravaners blocked strategic roads, but at all times allowed free passage to medical and emergency vehicles, demonstrating a deep respect for the essential needs of the community.

The mobilization not only saw the active participation of the caravaners, but also received the support and solidarity of local drivers and even security agents. Many motorists joined the cause, offering words of encouragement and supplies to the caravaners. The security agents, for their part, collaborated in the organization and facilitated the circulation of the emergency services, recognizing the civic behavior of the participants.