Canary Islands Government Unveils Innovative Tool to Assess Tourism’s Social Impact

The Government of the Canary Islands is making strides in understanding the multifaceted effects of tourism on its local communities. The Department of Tourism and Employment has rolled out a groundbreaking digital platform titled “Canarias Avanza: Tourism and Social Sustainability.” This initiative aims to systematically measure the social implications of tourism across the diverse landscapes of the archipelago.

This forward-thinking project is spearheaded by the public company Gesprotur and is bolstered by funding from the Next Generation EU programme. The platform is designed to facilitate a thorough evaluation of social sustainability by utilizing online questionnaires. These questionnaires will enable a wide range of stakeholders—including local businesses, government authorities, tourism professionals, residents, and visitors—to share their insights and experiences regarding tourism in the region.

At the launch event, Jéssica de León, the Minister of Tourism and Employment, articulated the initiative’s vision. She emphasized the importance of cultivating a tourism model that not only stimulates economic growth but also strengthens community bonds and enhances the overall quality of life for residents. This holistic approach aims to ensure that tourism benefits all segments of society, rather than just a select few.

The data collected through this innovative platform will play a crucial role in generating comprehensive social and territorial diagnostics related to tourism in the Canary Islands. This wealth of information is anticipated to inform updates to the existing Good Practices Manual, which serves as a guideline for sustainable tourism practices. Furthermore, it will aid in the formulation of new public policies that prioritize the needs and aspirations of the local population, ensuring that their voices are heard in the decision-making process.

As part of this initiative, Gran Canaria is set to host a Strategic Event on 30 October, focusing on Social Sustainability in Tourism. This significant gathering will bring together experts, institutional representatives, and industry stakeholders to collaborate on the development of the inaugural Guide-Manual for Social Sustainability in Tourism within the region. The event aims to foster dialogue and share best practices that can be implemented to enhance the sustainability of tourism in the Canary Islands.

Gesprotur is actively promoting community engagement in this vital initiative. Individuals interested in contributing their perspectives on the future of tourism in the Canary Islands are encouraged to register at www.canariasavanza.com. By participating in this initiative, residents can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism, ensuring that it aligns with the values and needs of the community.

The introduction of the “Canarias Avanza” platform marks a significant milestone in the Canary Islands’ efforts to create a more sustainable tourism model. By prioritizing social sustainability, the government aims to address the challenges posed by mass tourism, which can often lead to negative impacts on local communities, such as overcrowding, environmental degradation, and cultural erosion.

Tourism is a vital sector for the Canary Islands, contributing significantly to the economy and providing employment opportunities for thousands of residents. However, the rapid growth of this industry has raised concerns about its long-term sustainability. The government’s proactive approach to evaluating tourism’s social impact reflects a growing recognition of the need for a balanced and responsible tourism strategy that benefits both visitors and locals alike.

As the Canary Islands continue to attract millions of tourists each year, the importance of sustainable practices becomes increasingly evident. The “Canarias Avanza” platform is a step towards ensuring that tourism development is not only economically viable but also socially responsible. By engaging various stakeholders in the evaluation process, the government aims to create a more inclusive tourism model that respects the rights and needs of all community members.

In conclusion, the Canary Islands’ initiative to assess tourism sustainability through the “Canarias Avanza” platform represents a significant advancement in the region’s approach to tourism management. By harnessing the insights of local stakeholders, the government is taking a proactive stance in shaping a tourism industry that is both economically beneficial and socially equitable.

Key points

• The Canary Islands government has launched a digital platform to evaluate tourism’s social impact.
• The initiative is led by Gesprotur and supported by the Next Generation EU programme.
• Stakeholders can provide input through online questionnaires.
• Minister Jéssica de León highlighted the importance of community cohesion in tourism.
• A Strategic Event on Social Sustainability in Tourism will take place on 30 October in Gran Canaria.
• Community members are encouraged to register and share their views on tourism’s future.