Every year, new horror stories emerge of unruly tourists taking even more aggressive action to secure themselves the best spot by the pool. In the latest chapter of the sunbed wars, tourists in Tenerife have been caught on TikTok trying to reserve their spots - even before the beds are put out for the day.

The holidaymakers were seen laying their personal belongings directly on the floor in front of a hotel pool at the crack of dawn to "reserve the space". In a scene dubbed as "surreal" by fellow tourists, guests at several popular resorts have been spotted placing towels, flip-flops and beach bags on the ground hours before staff have even started putting out the loungers. The bold moves have sparked outrage among holidaymakers not so keen on secure the best spot, with many branding it "selfish", "ridiculous" and "the final straw".

"It’s like a military operation out there," wrote one social media user. "People are literally reserving tiles."

Several hotels have been forced to step in, reinforcing rules that ban guests from reserving sunbeds they are not using. Others are said to be reviewing policies altogether, according to Canarian Weekly.

Even etiquette experts have weighed in on the war: “There’s nothing wrong with wanting a good spot,” one said. “But laying claim to empty floor space is a step too far.”

Popular travel TikToker @getlostwebsite recently shared an eyebrow-raising clip showing tourists running to snare themselves an early sunbed for the day. The video shows a quiet pool area at a hotel - but within seconds people are seen running to the sunbeds.

"Look at them go!" the TikToker wrote in the caption. "Tourists race for sunbeds."

It wasn't long before the comments started to pour in.

"Please tell where this is so I know where NOT to go," wrote one. Another added "how sad" and one called the people running to the sunbeds "idiots".

Another user wrote: "Never again will I take a holiday like this in a hotel...Villa, no issues, own space."