Embracing a New Vision for Tourism in Lanzarote

Introduction

The student delegation of the School of Tourism at Lanzarote (EUTL), affiliated with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, reaches out to individuals, groups, and organizations dedicated to social justice, environmental sustainability, and the right to inhabit our territories with dignity. This letter explicitly addresses decision-makers in tourism: the Government of the Canary Islands, the Island Councils, particularly the Cabildo of Lanzarote, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism of the Spanish Government, the European Commission, and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

As students and researchers engaged in the dynamic tourism industry, we want to express our deep concern regarding the adverse impacts of the prevailing tourism model, which have escalated over the last thirty years. Often labeled as sustainability, these impacts have had profound effects on our islands, particularly Lanzarote.

With the review of the Charter for Sustainable Tourism set for November 28, we feel our voices have not been fully heard. Therefore, we wish to share our reflections, concerns, and proposals through this letter in hopes that they will be acknowledged by the aforementioned entities.

Rising Discontent

Over the past year, worldwide, especially in the Canary Islands, there has been significant discontent expressed through massive mobilizations against the social, ecological, cultural, and economic consequences of the current tourism model. This is not an isolated protest; since the 1980s, the Canary Islands have fought to protect their territories under various banners and struggles, such as Malpaís de la Corona, Papagayo, and Veneguera, adopting resonant slogans like “Not one more bed,” “Canary Islands have limits,” and “Canary Islands are loved and defended.”

Lanzarote has historically been a beacon of territorial defense, inspired by figures like César Manrique, who promoted harmonious development between art, nature, and life. Unfortunately, this legacy is being manipulated, with Manrique’s ideals used to justify a tourism model that exceeds the ecological, social, economic, and cultural limits of the island, as substantiated by data.

Consequences of Mass Tourism

The unbridled expansion of mass tourism has been driven by a relentless pursuit of short-term economic growth without regard for future negative impacts. This model has led to:

• Resource Depletion: The intensive consumption of natural resources has degraded our ecosystems, eroding landscapes and jeopardizing the possibility of living with dignity on this land that sustains us.
• Job Precarity: The rise of precarious employment, particularly affecting women, youth, and immigrants, underscores the unsustainable nature of today’s tourism industry.
• Displacement of Locals: Gentrification threatens local communities, leading to the loss of social fabric.
• Resource Dependence: Relying solely on one vulnerable and volatile industry leaves territories economically unsteady, particularly in the context of global crises such as COVID-19.
• Territorial Commodification: Increased commodification leads to weakened autonomy and loss of control for local communities.

Specific Impact on Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s current tourism model is generating damaging and increasing effects, including:

• Ecological Collapse: The exhaustion of water resources, loss of agricultural soil, and intense pressure on unique natural and cultural spaces like Timanfaya National Park and La Geria illustrate the urgent need for change.

• Structural Dependency on Tourism: The lack of strong economic alternatives increases vulnerability to external factors, thereby limiting the island’s autonomy and resilience.

• Housing Crisis: The uncontrolled growth of tourist accommodations contributes to soaring rental prices, progressively displacing residents and threatening their right to dignified housing. While some residents gain supplementary income through tourist rentals, the lack of regulation has spurred real estate speculation and the construction of new buildings designated exclusively for tourism, thus eroding the housing market.

• Income Leakage: The absence of precise economic measurements raises red flags. Estimates of income leaks vary widely, underscoring the necessity for reliable indicators to gauge tourism’s true economic impact on the island.

• Inequitable Wealth Distribution: Projections indicate that while tourism revenues will rise significantly, social issues persist, with a poverty rate that exceeds the national average.

• Loss of Landscape and Identity: Rapid, unplanned urbanization threatens the balance between development, nature, and quality of life—pillars that define Lanzarote’s image and character.

• Inefficient Mobility: The island’s reliance on private vehicles, with over 140,000 registered cars, compromises sustainable transport options essential for residents and tourists alike, as public transport systems fail to meet these needs effectively.

Guiding Principles

As we move towards rethinking tourism in Lanzarote, several guiding principles must be adhered to:

1. Tourism as a Means, Not an End: It should be subordinate to ecological limits, social needs, and community well-being.

2. Holistic Sustainability: Integrates social, economic, and cultural justice alongside environmental considerations.

3. Local Well-being Over Market Logic: Prioritize the welfare of local inhabitants over the simplified commodification of travel experiences.

4. Active Citizen Participation: Policies must actively involve local communities in their formulation and management, recognizing them as key stakeholders in decision-making processes.

5. Transformative Change Over Cosmetic Adjustments: Shallow sustainability rhetoric is no longer acceptable; profound change is necessary that emphasizes life, justice, and respect for the land.

6. Common Good: Tourism must benefit the island as a whole rather than a select few.

Building a New Tourism Model

Transitioning towards a reformed tourism model involves several steps:

1. Planned Tourism Degrowth: Establish limits to tourist capacities while implementing a permanent moratorium on new tourist accommodations.

2. Housing Rights Protection: Strictly regulate tourist accommodations in residential areas, prioritizing community housing needs and enhancing license inspections.

3. Diversified Economic Development: Invest in local industries such as agriculture and renewable energy while fostering a social and cooperative economy.

4. Community-driven Tourism Initiatives: Promote tourism models managed by residents focusing on local traditions, culture, and sustainable practices.

5. Effective Citizen Participation: Foster continuous dialogue among all stakeholders—social groups, public institutions, businesses, and academia—to collaboratively shape the future of tourism on the island.

6. Change the Narrative: Educate the public and local communities about the myths of tourism, encouraging campaigns that resonate with the island’s unique spirit, such as “Lanzarote is loved and defended.”

A Call to Action

We invite all public institutions, social organizations, cultural agents, tourism workers, and the critical citizenry to join us in this collective expression of political and social will for transformation. It is time to collaboratively build a new, grounded tourism model that honors life, respects ecological limits, ensures social justice, and nurtures future generations.

As students, we particularly urge the younger generation to assume an active role in this transition. Your voices, energies, and insights are vital to rethinking the relationship between tourism, community, progress, and nature.

It’s crucial that we forge a path for Lanzarote that preserves its dignity and rightful existence. Let us not sacrifice our land, our people, or our future, and instead, reshape our tourism to serve our communities and the life it sustains.