Los Cristianos Business Owners Demand Urgent Action Over Safety and Cleanliness Concerns

Tensions are rising in the tourist hub of Los Cristianos, Canary Islands, as local business owners push for urgent action from the Arona City Council. More than 20 shops on Avenida de Suecia have filed a formal complaint, citing a decline in safety and cleanliness that they say is damaging the area’s reputation.

The complaint, filed on July 29, highlights ongoing issues that merchants claim are disrupting their businesses. Specifically, shop owners report that a homeless individual has been stationed in front of their premises for the past two months, deterring customers. They also point to a buildup of trash and debris on the streets, which they argue creates a poor impression for visitors.

Carlos Delgado, head of the local merchants' association, says these incidents are just the tip of the iceberg. He notes that there is a growing sense of insecurity throughout the coastal area, fueled by reports of incidents involving tourists and the rise of illegal street vending. While the City Council has taken some action, business owners argue these efforts are inconsistent and are calling for a permanent, more visible police presence.

The situation in Arona highlights a difficult challenge for many tourist destinations: balancing support for vulnerable populations with the need to maintain a thriving local economy. While merchants are calling for stricter enforcement of municipal rules, they acknowledge that these problems are complex and require better support from social services. The business owners, who emphasize that they follow all tax and labor regulations, say they are eager to work with the authorities to restore order to one of southern Tenerife’s most popular areas.