Canary Islands officials are mulling charging people to visit protected areas, including Tenerife’s iconic Mount Teide. Jessica de Leon, Councillor for Tourism and Employment at the Canary Islands government, has said she agrees with the idea, but it is ultimately for island authorities to decide.
She pointed to Lanzarote which reportedly plans to raise about £34million (40 million euros) per year by such a charge, adding it would help to manage and protect the environment.
More than 140 areas across the Canary Islands are protected, including Teide National Park, Timanfaya National Park, Garajonay National Park and Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
Ms de Leon is also reported to have told Spanish news agency EFE that she was not in favour of an ecotax as it would not solve problems with traffic and housing on the islands.
The tourism chief took aim at groups blaming the tourism sector for soaring rents, food price increases and water restrictions because of the drought.
Canarian Weekly accused Ms De Leon of overlooking projects including Cuna del Alma, La Tejita Hotel and Oliva Beach Hotel.
The Cuna del Alma scheme comprises a hotel and apartment development in the south of Tenerife.
But it has faced opposition from some locals and environmental groups, such as GeoTenerife, who say the complex will destroy one the last untouched areas in the region.
Protests are planned for April 20 amid demands to protect locals from foreign property purchases, to safeguard the environment and to introduce a tourist tax.
Residents on Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Palma, are set to hold a mass protest against overtourism.
Ms de Leon admitted the tourism industry can improve, but warned against targeting tourists. She said: “By doing so we only benefit direct competitors.”
Meanwhile, Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canary Islands government, has urged the tourism industry to raise workers’ wages.
He hailed the role tourism plays in the region’s economy, but called on industry bosses to share the wealth it generates. Mr Clavijo also expressed support for the upcoming protests and pledged support to include people in decision-making.
His comments follow remarks made earlier this month in which he urged protesters to exercise common sense and reminded those planning to take part that tourism is the main source of jobs and wealth on the islands.
