Anti-tourist protests turn violent as activists torch 20 hire cars in fury over mass tourism in Spain

The footage captures perpetrators smashing windows whilst Edith Piaf's "Non, Je ne regrette rien" plays in the background.

One individual is seen pouring flammable liquid before setting a car ablaze in the video - shared by environmental and anti-tourism social media accounts across Tenerife.

Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets to launch verbal attacks at tourists

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PICTURED: Two bemused holidaymakers watch on as anti-tourist protests erupts in Spain

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Roberto Mesa, an activist who shared the video online, stated: "Peaceful means have been exhausted."

Mesa, who claimed he had no direct knowledge of the perpetrators, said locals feel ignored and their peaceful protests disregarded.

The Canary Islands attract over six million British visitors yearly - and tourism officials have warned that the protests could damage the islands' economy.

Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy cautioned the Canary Islands against playing a "dangerous game" at Spain's International Tourism Trade Fair in January.

"Anti-tourism protests and derogatory comments from local administrations make tourists feel unwelcome," he said.

Heapy warned such incidents could push holidaymakers toward destinations like Turkey and Morocco "where they feel valued".

PICTURED: Dozens of people hold placards and protest in front of a tourist train in the Canary Islands

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However, not all locals support the anti-tourism movement.

When protesters stormed a Tenerife beach, some residents branded them "d***heads" for targeting holidaymakers.

While in Lanzarote, locals organised their own pro-tourism march wearing t-shirts reading "Lanzarote loves tourism".

Restaurant owner Augusto Ferreira claimed fears were being stoked by politicians "playing political games".

He told local media: "I have heard very nice stories from people who say their family live off tourism, and that thanks to tourism they are what they are."