This study investigates how the host community of Tenerife perceives the socio-cultural effects of tourism on the island. The method chosen for the study was qualitative interviews which were performed with six respondents, each born in Spain, living permanently in Tenerife and employed within service-related occupations. The interview material was interpreted and handled according to a hermeneutic approach. The results of the study showed that the respondents had an over-all positive perception of tourism. Perceived positive socio-cultural effects were related to cultural and linguistic influences. Problems related to alcohol and community disorder were believed to be negative effects although they were not present to the same extent according to the respondents. The sociological theory “us and them” could be applied to this study since the locals chose to live and spend their free-time outside the tourist areas.