That Maspalomas is the dream holiday destination for thousands of Britons is hardly news. The curious thing is that the United Kingdom itself now admits that many of its citizens live on the sand… without a home or shelter. Apparently, among the palm trees and resorts, there are Britons who know the word “vulnerability” firsthand.
The Department of Social Services and the British Consulate have decided to collaborate to create a protocol for dealing with homeless and at-risk British seniors. In other words, while tourists spend euros on cocktails and selfies in front of the dunes, there are fellow citizens struggling for a decent roof over their heads and a warm meal.
It's a contrast worthy of an ironic headline: five-star resorts alongside mattresses and cardboard boxes, cutting-edge Wi-Fi versus a lack of basic social coverage. And while discussions rage on about how to help these Britons, the tourism industry continues to sell the image of Maspalomas as a sunny, sustainable, and safe paradise.
Because, in the end, the paradox is this: a world-famous destination for leisure and "quality of life" hosts on its streets the very people who enjoy it on vacation, but without the right to a vacation in their own lives.
