Canary Islands Tourism Agency Unveils New Initiatives for Environmental Protection

The Tourism Project Management Agency, known as Gesprotur, is embarking on two innovative pilot projects aimed at enhancing tourism management in the Canary Islands. These initiatives are specifically designed to tackle the challenges arising from the significant influx of visitors to the region’s cherished natural parks, which are vital for both biodiversity and local culture.

Strategic Innovations in Visitor Management

The first pilot project is centered around conducting flow control simulations within the natural parks of the Canary Islands. This method is crucial for assessing the carrying capacities of these areas, which will help regulate visitor access and prevent irreversible environmental damage. By understanding how many visitors these natural spaces can accommodate without suffering degradation, the region can better protect its unique ecosystems.

The second project aims to implement targeted taxes or fees that will generate dedicated revenue streams for local councils. These funds are intended for the maintenance and preservation of the natural areas that attract millions of tourists each year. This dual approach not only seeks to enhance visitor experiences but also ensures that the environmental integrity of the parks is upheld.

During a recent forum held in Fuerteventura, Jessica de León, the regional Minister of Tourism and Employment, underscored the urgent need for the Canary Islands to adopt modern and sustainable management practices. She emphasized that any tax measures should prioritize environmental protection rather than serve as a deterrent to tourists. De León called for a thoughtful and responsible dialogue regarding tourism taxation, highlighting the critical importance of land management and the implementation of effective flow control mechanisms.

Expert Contributions to Sustainable Tourism

The forum featured valuable insights from various experts, including former lecturer Rodolfo Espino and José Antonio Fernández, the conservation manager of the Atlantic Islands National Park in Galicia. Their contributions were instrumental in shaping effective public use and conservation models tailored for the Canary Islands. De León noted that their recommendations reinforced the notion that flow control should be the primary strategy for safeguarding the region’s natural spaces.

The Ministry plans to disseminate these tools and studies to the seven local councils, particularly those that have yet to engage in strategic planning for tourism management. De León pointed out that the Lanzarote model serves as a successful case study, demonstrating how targeted fees and effective management practices can be replicated across the Canary Islands to enhance sustainability.

Addressing the Balance Between Tourism and Conservation

With approximately 18.5 million tourists visiting the Canary Islands annually, managing visitor flow while ensuring sustainability presents significant challenges. De León asserted that achieving true sustainability requires a combination of order, regulation, and care. She conveyed a clear message that the region is committed to making necessary advancements in tourism management, which is essential for the long-term health of both the environment and the local economy.

Fernández highlighted the success of flow regulation in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia, where differentiated access for locals and visitors was established. This included implementing strict quotas for activities such as diving and navigation, based on comprehensive studies of environmental capacity. For example, in areas where the actual capacity was determined to be only 150 vessels, the region previously recorded up to 10,500 annually. The introduction of daily visitor quotas has helped stabilize demand, alleviating peak times and improving planning for the hospitality sector. Such measures not only protect the environment but also enhance the overall visitor experience by reducing overcrowding.

Key points

• Gesprotur is launching two pilot projects to improve tourism management in the Canary Islands.
• The first project involves flow control simulations in natural parks to prevent environmental damage.
• The second project focuses on implementing targeted taxes or fees for local councils to maintain natural areas.
• Jessica de León emphasized the need for sustainable management practices during a forum in Fuerteventura.
• Experts provided insights on effective public use and conservation models at the forum.
• The Ministry will distribute tools and studies to local councils for better land management.
• Flow regulation has proven successful in other regions, demonstrating the importance of managing visitor access.