A Long-Awaited Milestone for Tourism Management in the Canary Islands
In a significant move for tourism management, recent developments have led to the enactment of a new law aimed at enhancing the governance of tourism across the Canary Islands. As highlighted by Cabrera, a key parliamentary figure, this legislative accomplishment has been 31 years in the making, largely driven by persistent efforts from municipal authorities. Cabrera emphasized that this law represents not just a regulatory framework but also a necessary step towards more effectively managing the region’s main economic driver.
Legislative Limitations and Goals
While the enactment of this law is undeniably a crucial milestone, Cabrera was quick to point out its limitations. He clarified that the legislation does not establish a specific economic fund nor does it address pressing issues like housing access, territorial pressure, or mobility directly. However, he argued that it serves as a foundational piece in a broader context. “This law is about more than just allocating resources; it recognizes realities and seeks to correct inequalities,” he stated. Without a legal acknowledgment of these complexities, the quest for new financial, cooperative, or planning instruments tailored to tourist municipalities would be far more challenging.
Cabrera further affirmed that the discourse surrounding tourism models is still active and ongoing. He stressed the need for continuous exploration of critical themes like wealth redistribution, land capacity, territorial planning, housing access, and environmental protection. “The success of tourism should not only be gauged by visitor numbers but also by the quality of life for residents in the Canary Islands,” he concluded.
Defining Categories to Better Serve Local Needs
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of this new legislation is the introduction of two distinct classifications for municipalities: Municipio Turístico de Excelencia de Canarias (Tourist Municipality of Excellence) and Municipio Turístico de Singularidad de Canarias (Tourist Municipality of Singular Significance). This shift from a generic classification system to a more nuanced classification aims to tailor the approach based on the unique characteristics of various destinations.
To achieve the status of Municipio Turístico de Excelencia, municipalities must meet at least two of three set criteria. These relate to annual tourist population, accommodation capacity, and the availability of high-category establishments. Specifically, municipalities must demonstrate that tourism constitutes over 15% of their economic activity, alongside meeting one of the following: an annual tourist population five times greater than local residents, a minimum of 4,000 accommodation spots (including vacation rentals), or having at least 10% of their accommodation capacity in five-star properties. Encouragingly, many municipalities leading this initiative already exceed these requirements, positioning them favorably for Excellence classification.
On the other hand, Municipios Turísticos de Singularidad will need to fulfill a different set of criteria: they must have at least two tourist attractions of unique significance and show that tourism constitutes more than 5% of their local economic activity. This classification opens doors for other municipalities within the islands that boast outstanding natural or cultural resources, providing them with an opportunity to benefit from the new framework.
A Tailored Approach for Diverse Municipalities
Moreover, the legislation incorporates flexible regulations specifically aimed at El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Palma, as well as municipalities facing demographic challenges. This adaptability ensures that the unique needs and realities of these islands are taken into account, promoting a balanced approach to tourism that respects both local heritage and socio-economic conditions.
By defining clear categories based on objective criteria, this law not only aims to enhance the tourism landscape but also to ensure that the voices of residents and local authorities are heard in the ongoing conversation about sustainable and fair tourism practices in the Canary Islands. The initiative strives to balance tourism growth with the well-being of local communities, promoting a more equitable economic strategy moving forward.
