Tenerife Cabildo Initiates Year-Long Plan to Regulate Vehicle Access to Teide National Park

The Tenerife Cabildo has unveiled an ambitious timeline of approximately one year to implement new regulations governing vehicle access and mobility within the renowned Teide National Park. This initiative follows the recent transfer of authority from the Canary Islands Government, marking a significant shift in the management of one of Spain’s most visited natural attractions.

Strategic Management Approaches for Visitor Access

In a recent press conference, José Miguel Ruano, the Vice-President of the Cabildo, elaborated on the forthcoming regulations aimed at establishing a structured framework to manage the increasing influx of visitors to Teide National Park. As the most frequented national park in Spain, it has faced mounting pressure from both tourists and environmental advocates. The current Management and Use Plan, which has encountered legal challenges from various environmental organizations, encompasses a broad range of considerations beyond just ecological concerns. It also addresses critical access issues, proposing temporary measures such as promoting the use of public transport, imposing restrictions on vehicle entry during peak visitation times, and regulating the number of private vehicles allowed within the park.

One of the most pressing issues is the limited availability of parking spaces, which has become a significant concern for both visitors and park management. To address this challenge, the Cabildo plans to implement access controls similar to those currently in place for popular hiking trails. This may require visitors to obtain prior authorization to enter the park by car, ensuring a more organized and manageable flow of traffic.

Introduction of Eco-Fees to Support Conservation Efforts

In conjunction with the new access regulations, the Cabildo has defended the recent introduction of eco-fees for accessing the Teide summit and certain trails. Notably, these fees are waived for local residents, reflecting a commitment to community engagement. Ruano emphasized that the primary purpose of these fees is not profit generation but rather to effectively manage visitor numbers and strike a balance between public enjoyment and the imperative of conservation. He described this initiative as a significant advancement, building on regulations established late last year that mandated visitors to possess appropriate mountain gear. This change was prompted by numerous incidents involving individuals attempting to reach the summit in unsuitable attire, which posed safety risks.

The council believes that implementing small eco-fees serves as an effective mechanism for managing access to fragile natural environments. This approach is reminiscent of existing regulations in other popular locations, such as the Masca ravine, where similar measures have proven successful in preserving the natural landscape.

Early Success of the Eco-Fee System

In an encouraging sign for the new eco-fee system, the Cabildo reported raising €13,243 within the first 24 hours of its implementation through its digital booking platform. On the opening day alone, 704 reservations were made, with 424 of those requiring payment, as they involved non-residents or visitors not eligible for exemptions. The total number of allocated places that day reached 1,346, which included 46 for Tenerife residents, 36 for Canary Islands residents, 108 for children under 16, and a substantial 1,156 for non-residents. Notably, the volume of bookings remained consistent with previous weeks when access was free, indicating that the demand for visits to the park has not diminished.

Guided tours continued as planned, with six licensed guides securing spots for a total of 28 individuals. The eco-fee, which can reach as high as €25 for non-resident visitors depending on the selected route, is designed to support a range of initiatives, including conservation efforts, access management, infrastructure improvements, monitoring, and long-term sustainability of the park. Teide National Park, celebrated as one of the Canary Islands’ most iconic natural landmarks and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains accessible to British tourists and residents. However, the introduction of stricter regulations aims to preserve the stunning landscape while enhancing both safety and the overall visitor experience.

Key points

• The Tenerife Cabildo plans to regulate vehicle access to Teide National Park over the next year.
• New measures will include promoting public transport and restricting vehicle entry during peak times.
• Parking availability is limited, prompting the need for access controls similar to those for hiking trails.
• Eco-fees have been introduced to manage visitor numbers, with local residents exempt from charges.
• €13,243 was raised in the first 24 hours of the eco-fee system implementation.
• Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited parks in Spain.
• The new regulations aim to balance public enjoyment with environmental conservation.