Canary Islands Tourism Council Champions Sustainable Travel Practices

The Canary Islands Tourism Council held a pivotal meeting in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Wednesday, where members reached a unanimous decision to endorse a responsible tourism manifesto titled “Turismo Bien.” This significant initiative, spearheaded by the Alliance for Excellence in Tourism in Spain, commonly referred to as Exceltur, seeks to articulate a vision for the future of tourism in the Canary Islands, emphasizing sustainability and responsibility.

In addition to endorsing the manifesto, council members expressed their support for a New Sustainable Tourism Charter set to be introduced in 2025. This charter is expected to take center stage at the forthcoming International Conference on Sustainable Tourism, scheduled to occur in Lanzarote on November 28, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism and Employment. The conference will serve as a platform for discussing innovative strategies and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the tourism sector.

Jéssica de León, the Minister for Tourism and Employment, underscored the manifesto’s alignment with the Canary Islands Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting responsible, sustainable, and regenerative tourism practices. She highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including representatives from the business sector, trade unions, and public administrations, who are united in their vision for a more sustainable tourism landscape in the region.

Addressing the pressing challenges facing the tourism sector, de León pointed out that Exceltur has developed a comprehensive roadmap featuring concrete proposals aimed at addressing critical issues such as gentrification, environmental sustainability, job quality, and the necessity for effective public-private governance. The overarching objective is to transition towards a tourism model that not only generates economic benefits but also enhances social value while respecting local communities and the environment.

The manifesto is built around ten key principles designed to steer the tourism sector towards a more responsible and sustainable future. These principles are intended to serve as guiding tenets for stakeholders across the industry, ensuring that tourism development aligns with the values of the local population and the preservation of natural resources. The principles include:

Core Principles of Responsible Tourism

De León further emphasized that the New Sustainable Tourism Charter aims to adapt and build upon the foundational elements established in the Sustainable Tourism Charter of 1995 and the recommendations made in 2015. This evolution is crucial to ensure that the charter remains relevant and responsive to the current realities and challenges faced by the tourism sector. By integrating lessons learned from past initiatives, the new charter seeks to create a robust framework that can effectively address contemporary issues in tourism.

The commitment to responsible tourism is not merely a trend but a necessary evolution in the face of growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable economic practices. The Canary Islands, known for their stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, are at a crossroads where the choices made today will significantly impact the region’s future. The council’s endorsement of the manifesto and the upcoming charter reflects a proactive approach to ensuring that tourism continues to benefit both visitors and residents alike.

As the tourism industry grapples with the effects of climate change, over-tourism, and the need for social equity, the principles outlined in the manifesto provide a roadmap for a more balanced and thoughtful approach to travel. By prioritizing dialogue with local communities and fostering public-private partnerships, the Canary Islands aim to create a tourism model that is not only economically viable but also socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.

Key points

• Rigorous knowledge and analysis of the tourism landscape to inform decision-making
• Dialogue with local communities to ensure their voices are heard and respected
• Protection of cultural heritage and local identity to maintain the unique character of the islands
• Public-private collaboration in tourism initiatives to foster shared responsibility
• Dignification of employment within the sector to enhance job quality and worker rights
• Environmental efficiency in tourism practices to minimize ecological impact
• Technological innovation to enhance tourism experiences and operational efficiency