Tourism’s Impact on San Andrés: A Study on Community Identity and Mental Health

Published on December 16, 2025

The area of San Andrés, a beautiful neighborhood sitting at the entrance to the Las Teresitas Beach, has long been a gathering place for fishermen. However, with the growing presence of tourism in this area, there is a struggle against the pressure of tourism that has ultimately started to decrease the distinctive cultural environment present in this region. The growing presence of tourism has ultimately translated into concerns for the SITs in this area because there is a growing presence with a disconnect between the original inhabitants and the newcomers.

Although tourism is regarded as a positive factor in the economy, the impact on the psychology and society of the inhabitants in regions that have been greatly influenced by tourism is generally not taken into consideration. The adoption of holiday rentals and the increasing flow of tourists in San Andrés have influenced the lives of the community, as well as the psychological well-being of the inhabitants. The community spirit that existed in San Andrés is currently at risk, and actions are being taken to repair this through social innovation projects initiated in the region.

The Challenge of Increasing Tourist Pressure

The rapid increase in tourism, particularly in the form of holiday rentals through platforms like Airbnb, has been a double-edged sword for San Andrés. While the influx of tourists brings much-needed revenue, it has also led to higher rental prices, escalating housing costs, and overcrowding in public spaces. Many residents have expressed concern that the growing number of outsiders using the area for holiday rentals has led to the displacement of long-time locals, further alienating the community.

This pressure on residents is not limited to economic factors. With the rise of tourists comes the gradual erosion of public spaces that were once shared by the community. For example, public squares, libraries, and even primary healthcare consultations, which were once places where residents could connect with their neighbours and strengthen their social ties, have now become less accessible. This disconnect is particularly concerning given that social cohesion plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and overall well-being.

In response to these challenges, local organisations such as the Rayuela Association have launched initiatives to counter the social fragmentation brought on by excessive tourism. Their efforts are aimed at restoring community connections and fostering a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing environment.

Rayuela’s “Social Infrastructure: Palacios del Pueblo” Project

To combat the negative effects of tourism on the community’s mental health, the Rayuela Association has partnered with the General Foundation of the University of La Laguna (FGULL) and received funding from the Canary Government to implement a social innovation project known as “Social Infrastructure: Palacios del Pueblo.” This initiative aims to assess and address the relationship between community engagement and the emotional well-being of residents. Through this project, Rayuela seeks to foster stronger community networks and improve the quality of life for those living in San Andrés.

The project’s first phase, which began in March 2025, involved extensive studies to measure the impact of community isolation on residents’ mental health. These studies assessed the emotional states of locals before any intervention took place. Following this initial research, the Rayuela team began organising community activities, including women’s meetings, participatory walks, and social events designed to reconnect residents and strengthen social networks. These events culminated on November 30, 2025, and have laid the groundwork for further evaluations of the project’s effectiveness.

Improving Mental Health through Social Interaction

One of the central objectives of the “Social Infrastructure” project is to determine whether fostering social connections can improve the mental health of residents in San Andrés. The project’s coordinator, Jonás González, highlighted that the first round of activities focused on creating spaces for locals to interact in public, outdoors settings. Initial assessments measured the residents’ emotional state, and the follow-up activities aimed at re-engaging them with their community through direct, face-to-face interaction.

While the results of the study are still being evaluated, González expressed hope that the data would show a positive correlation between social interaction and mental health. He explained that future initiatives will continue until at least February 2026, with ongoing events planned to ensure sustained community involvement. The success of these initiatives is hoped to serve as a model that could be replicated in other areas experiencing similar challenges due to tourism pressures.

Addressing Broader Community Needs

In addition to the mental health focus, the project has uncovered a range of broader concerns voiced by San Andrés residents, many of whom feel the negative effects of the increasing urbanisation linked to tourism. One of the major concerns is the rising cost of housing and services. According to surveys conducted in the community, 90% of residents have noticed significant increases in rental prices, utility costs, and general living expenses since tourism’s expansion in the area.

In addition to the financial strain, residents also report ongoing difficulties related to transportation and parking, with public spaces becoming increasingly overcrowded as tourism grows. This has led to a sense of frustration among locals, who feel that their needs are being overlooked in favour of short-term tourist revenue. Many have expressed a desire for greater attention to be paid to the upkeep of public spaces and the creation of more green areas and recreational spaces, particularly for young people and families.

Moreover, residents have voiced concerns about the deterioration of public spaces, which they feel are being neglected due to the emphasis on catering to tourists. The closure of public meeting spaces and the overwhelming presence of tourists in local areas have led to feelings of institutional neglect, and residents have called for more efforts to improve their quality of life in the face of increasing tourist overcrowding.

Replicating the Model in Other Tourist Areas

Jonás González stated that the “Social Infrastructure” project aims to serve as a pilot initiative that could be adapted and implemented in other areas facing similar pressures from tourism. San Andrés, with its deep-rooted sense of community now threatened by the influx of tourists, offers a unique context to study the effects of tourism on social cohesion and mental health. If the results from San Andrés are positive, Rayuela plans to replicate the project in other communities experiencing high levels of touristification.

The hope is that by strengthening local community networks and improving public spaces, residents will be able to regain a sense of control over their environment, leading to better emotional well-being and a more harmonious coexistence between locals and tourists.

Balancing Tourism Growth with Community Well-Being

With the ongoing increase in tourism in San Andres, finding a balance between economic gain and the maintenance of community identity and the mental health of the residents is one of the most important challenges. The project initiated by Rayuela Association and the Social Infrastructure: Palacios del Pueblo offers the best practice solution to all concerns. By working towards building communities and developing a sense of belongingness, the project aims towards offsetting the destructive effects of tourism in San Andres.

The success that this particular initiative will achieve will have numerous implications for other communities around the world facing a similar dilemma because of the rapid growth in tourism. From new social approaches to ensuring the well-being of the local population, there is a possibility of achieving a sustainable balance between tourism growth and the communities.