Concerns Raised Over Teide National Park Access Restrictions by Car Rental Association

The Professional Business Association of Rental Cars in the Canary Islands, known as Apeca, has voiced significant concerns regarding new access restrictions at Teide National Park. The association warns that a comprehensive ban on vehicle access could severely impact transportation services in the region.

Apeca, which is affiliated with Femete and Femepa, issued a statement expressing their worries about the access limitations proposed in the park’s updated management plan. They argue that these time-based restrictions could threaten over a thousand jobs directly tied to the rental car sector and worsen the existing legal uncertainties faced by businesses.

Industry Alarm Over Proposed Access Changes

The association highlighted comments made by Minister of Ecological Transition, Mariano Hernández Zapata, who stated that visitors wishing to access Teide during peak hours would be required to use shuttle buses. This announcement has caused considerable concern within the rental car industry. Apeca contends that eliminating chauffeur-driven rental services without implementing control systems, quotas, and reservation protocols is not feasible.

Minister of Territorial Planning, José Miguel Ruano, also mentioned that specific time slots would be designated for bus-only access, while other periods would not adhere to this model. Apeca insists that these time slots should be established based on objective criteria agreed upon by all stakeholders, rather than being dictated unilaterally. They emphasize the necessity of involving industry professionals in discussions that affect daily operations in tourist mobility.

Ignored Proposals for Improved Management

Apeca has been advocating for advanced management strategies for years, including the implementation of technological systems for monitoring vehicle occupancy and license plates, conditional access for low-emission vehicles, and stricter penalties for misuse of parking spaces. However, the association laments that they have not been included in the planning process for these initiatives.

Despite attending meetings with the Cabildo, Apeca describes these gatherings as merely informational rather than collaborative working sessions. They express frustration at learning about new measures through media reports or informal discussions, stating that they have yet to receive an official draft for review.

Collaboration Among Industry Associations

Apeca has reached out to other organizations, including the Association of Professionals and Businesses Operating in Tenerife’s Natural Spaces and the Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, to unify their stance on the matter. They have communicated their concerns to CEOE Tenerife, aiming to present a consolidated position to governmental institutions.

The association emphasizes that they share the administration’s goal of preserving Teide and ensuring its future. However, they argue that this objective can be achieved without sacrificing jobs or the competitiveness of the tourism sector. They point to successful models from around the world that demonstrate the possibility of balancing sustainability with economic growth.

Advocacy for Chauffeur-Driven Rentals

Apeca supports the concept of chauffeur-driven rentals, which is recognized in the draft of the sustainable mobility law as a form of shared mobility. They argue that this model, which promotes high occupancy and professional guidance, contributes to safer and more environmentally friendly visits to the park. Rather than eliminating this service, Apeca believes it should be integrated into the solution for managing park access.

While the association acknowledges the need for stricter regulations on self-drive rentals to mitigate pressure on the park, they caution against an abrupt transition from unrestricted access to a complete ban. They assert that such an approach does not constitute effective management but rather a refusal to seek a balanced solution that accommodates both sustainability and economic development.

Key points

• Apeca has raised concerns about new access restrictions at Teide National Park.
• The proposed measures could jeopardize over a thousand jobs in the rental car sector.
• Minister Mariano Hernández Zapata indicated that peak hour access would be limited to shuttle buses.
• Apeca has suggested various management strategies that have been overlooked.
• The association seeks to collaborate with other industry groups to present a unified front.
• They advocate for the inclusion of chauffeur-driven rentals as part of sustainable mobility solutions.
• Apeca emphasizes the need for balanced regulations that support both tourism and environmental preservation.