A Divided Fuerteventura: Tensions Rise in the Tourism Sector
“Where we are not wanted, we do not go.” This statement from Antonio Hormiga, president of the tourist employers’ association Asofuer, encapsulates the growing discontent within the tourism sector of Fuerteventura. His remarks followed Asofuer’s unprecedented absence from the Distinguidos del Turismo awards ceremony held last Saturday in El Castillo, Antigua.
Protest Against Irregularities
For the first time, the major tourist organization opted not to participate in a tradition that celebrates achievements within the industry. Hormiga clarified that this absence was a “signal of protest,” emphasizing that the decision stemmed from deep-rooted concerns about the selection process for the awards. During an interview on La Voz de Fuerteventura, a radio program on Radio Insular, he made it clear that the proceedings were fraught with irregularities.
In his view, the process was “totally unjust,” and although out of respect for the awardees, Asofuer chose not to formally contest the results, he pointed out that “the jury did not fulfill the established guidelines.” Hormiga alleged that a “teje maneje” or manipulation, occurred within the Patronato, leading to the exclusion of critical representatives, including unions, the employers’ association itself, and the educational sector.
This situation raises an essential question: if the ground rules are not followed, why establish them in the first place? Hormiga lamented the apparent disregard for the norms, stating, “If they do whatever they want, I don’t see the point of making rules.”
Lack of Communication with the Patronato
However, the concerns expressed by Hormiga extend beyond the awards. He candidly stated that communication between Asofuer and the Patronato de Turismo de Fuerteventura is almost non-existent. The association perceives that the Patronato operates independently, detached from the collaborative nature that is vital for the tourism sector’s success.
A particularly contentious point raised by the Asofuer president involved the recent job listing for the managerial position at the Patronato of Tourism. The announcement, which came during August—a time when most stakeholders were on vacation—was reportedly done without the formal approval of the Board of Directors. Hormiga’s colleague, Mario de la Cruz, the Asofuer manager, emphasized that they stumbled upon this information “not even through the press but through the Official Bulletin of the Canary Islands.”
De la Cruz highlighted that the position was previously advertised toward the end of 2023 and into early 2024, only to be left unfilled. Yet, curiously, it was resurfaced again, raising eyebrows across the sector.
The Future of Management and Structural Changes
The conversation quickly shifts to the possibility of transitioning the Patronato to a mixed society aimed at streamlining administrative processes, a structure already in place in other islands of the archipelago. This initiative, discussed by public officials at the beginning of the legislative term, ostensibly seeks to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
Yet, Hormiga remains skeptical, insisting that the envisioned public-private partnership won’t materialize and arguing that the rush to fill the managerial role is more about catering to specific interests than enhancing governance. He concluded, “They have invented countless reasons, but they need to respond to someone’s request, and they are going to appoint someone no matter what.”
Conclusion: The Stakes in Fuerteventura’s Tourism Sector
The friction between Asofuer and the Patronato de Turismo de Fuerteventura highlights larger concerns surrounding transparency, communication, and fairness in the tourism sector. As the island’s tourism stakeholders look forward, the path ahead seems fraught with uncertainty and calls for careful navigation. The interplay of relationships and power dynamics will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining not just the future of tourism in Fuerteventura but also the livelihoods dependent on this vital sector.
