The Canary Islands, a favoured destination for British tourists, is set to move away from the concept of “sustainable tourism” after unveiling a groundbreaking new approach to tourism.
A new action plan will replace the old concept with one of “regenerative tourism”, which aims to reshape both the tourism sector and the area it impacts, the Canary Islands’ Minister of Tourism, Jessia de Leon, announced.
The plan focuses on three main points: a new regulatory framework, the transformation of tourist spaces, and a climate action strategy, Canarian Weekly reported.
The Canary Islands are experiencing overtourism, which is causing problems for the environment such as damage to unique ecosystems, housing due to an increased cost of living making it difficult for residents to find affordable properties, and the local economy.
Residents of the Canary Islands have protested against overtourism, calling for changes to the tourist model and more government action.
During her address to the archipelago’s Parliament, de León explained that regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability. It aims to not only minimise the environmental footprint of visitors but also actively work to reverse it.
“It’s about erasing or at least compensating for the footprint left by those who visit the Canary Islands,” she said.
This vision emerged from collaborative working groups established after the Presidents’ Conference, which focused on addressing demographic challenges and redefining the regional economic model.
A significant component of the plan involves revising the legal framework to encourage the industry’s evolution, including incentives for upgrading hotels and public tourist spaces, staff training, and improved working conditions in the tourism sector. Subjects like carrying capacity, environmental impacts, and fiscal policies will also play central roles.
The minister highlighted the need for planning, effective management, and urban discipline, which are increasingly demanded by the public.
The second point focuses on redesigning public tourist areas in collaboration with the seven island councils, or “cabildos”. Each will define strategic projects tailored to its territory’s needs. This localised approach aims to align public spaces with the Canary Islands’ broader tourism strategy.
Climate change action is the final point to be addressed, with a focus on aligning infrastructure strategies with climate objectives. Currently, plans are underway to make El Hierro, the farthest south and west of the archipelago, the first “net zero” island.
De León announced that private sector initiatives on the island will aim to offset emissions locally, ensuring that the entire territory becomes carbon-neutral.
“The goal is for tourism to improve the quality of life for Canary Islanders,” de León said.
The plan has, however, faced scepticism from opposition leaders, who advocate for an eco-tax on overnight stays to mitigate tourism’s impact.
The plan, spearheaded by Moisés Simancas, a geographer and tourism expert from the University of La Laguna, is expected to evolve in the coming weeks with additional details and measures. The Canary Islands aims to set a new benchmark for responsible tourism practices around the world.
