La Laguna Pioneers Innovative Tourism Regulation to Alleviate Local Strain

On November 6, 2023, the municipality of La Laguna made headlines by introducing a transformative regulatory ordinance aimed at managing the burgeoning tourism sector. This initiative represents a proactive approach to address the multifaceted challenges that arise from increased tourist activity.

Comprehensive Approach to Tourism Challenges

The newly enacted ordinance is a landmark effort to confront a variety of pressing issues linked to tourism, including excessive noise, traffic congestion in the historical center, and the management of large groups during guided tours. By being the first municipality in the Canary Islands to adopt such a thorough tourism regulation, La Laguna sets a precedent for other regions grappling with similar challenges.

Drago Verdes Canarias, a local political organization, played a pivotal role in advocating for this ordinance during a full council meeting. The ordinance not only addresses immediate concerns but also includes a provision for an external specialized entity to conduct a comprehensive study on the impacts of tourism activities in the area. This study will provide valuable insights that will inform the ongoing development of the ordinance.

Balancing Community Needs and Tourist Interests

Carmen Peña, a councillor representing Drago Verdes Canarias, underscored the necessity of this ordinance as a response to the pressures of touristification and gentrification that have increasingly affected the local community. She highlighted that factors such as the rise of holiday rentals and the surge in rental cars are significantly altering the fabric of daily life for residents.

Peña passionately asserted that La Laguna should not merely serve as a picturesque backdrop for tourists. Instead, she emphasized that all tourism-related activities—whether they occur in Bajamar, the city center, Taco, or the Anaga region—must be conducted in a manner that respects and preserves the daily lives of local residents. This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the need to balance the interests of visitors with the rights of the community.

Detailed Regulations and Future Monitoring

The ordinance outlines specific regulations aimed at minimizing disruptions caused by tourism. For instance, it proposes restrictions on the use of sound amplification devices during guided tours, ensuring that local residents are not subjected to unnecessary noise. Additionally, the ordinance will set a reasonable cap on the number of participants allowed in guided tours, a figure that will be determined through community engagement during the Economic and Social Forum, in collaboration with local businesses and professionals.

Moreover, the motion calls for the integration of municipal noise regulations that are specifically tailored to address tourism activities. This includes enhanced oversight of bicycles, scooters, and other similar modes of transport in the historical center and areas of cultural significance, ensuring that these activities do not compromise the integrity of La Laguna’s rich heritage.

Political Will and Community Advocacy

Peña emphasized that the approval of this ordinance signifies a strong political commitment from the governing coalition of PSOE and Coalición Canaria. She reassured the community that Drago Verdes Canarias will remain vigilant in monitoring the implementation of these regulations, advocating tirelessly for the needs and rights of local residents. This commitment reflects a broader trend among local governments to prioritize sustainable tourism practices that benefit both visitors and the community.

Key points

• La Laguna has approved a regulatory ordinance to manage tourism impacts.
• The ordinance addresses noise, traffic, and large guided tour groups.
• Drago Verdes Canarias proposed the motion, making La Laguna the first in the Canary Islands to have such regulations.
• A study on tourism’s impact will be commissioned to support the ordinance’s development.
• Carmen Peña emphasized the need for tourism to respect local residents’ daily lives.
• Specific regulations will limit sound amplification during tours and group sizes.
• The ordinance aims to enhance control over transportation modes in culturally significant areas.