Latest news with #JessicadeLeón
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Canary holidaymakers blow as another island warns of new tourist taxes
The Canary Island of Fuerteventura will start charging British holidaymakers a tourist tax if they want to visit its most beautiful locations, officials on the Spanish holiday hotspot have announced British holidaymakers heading to the Canary Island of Fuerteventura will soon have to fork out a tourist tax if they fancy visiting its most stunning spots. The island's government has confirmed it will introduce the charge for the wild beach of Cofete, the awe-inspiring sand dunes of Correlejo and the vast sea caves of Ajuy. The move will follow the example of Tenerife, which has already started charging visitors to the mountain-top village of Masca and intends to do the same with Mount Teide. Jessica de León, Minister of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, has insisted that Fuerteventura "must now be incorporated into the regional debate on the ecotax in protected natural spaces." Fuerteventura's president, Lola Garcia, said the collection of a tourist tax was necessary to raise money for the maintenance of the natural spaces visited by hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers each year. In this same framework, the city council of La Oliva is looking at implementing a tourist tax of its own. La Oliva is in the north of the island and is again a hotspot for tourists due to its wealth of history. Ms Garcia has argued that a tourist tax in these specific locations was justified, given the significant impacts of mass tourism. She added: "The landscape and natural spaces must be protected, in addition to the fact that public institutions must listen to the citizens who, recently, expressed it in the street" through protests across the Canary Islands. "Now is the time to take measures and decisively, and one of them is the tourist tax." The island's president announced that the tax may be introduced for the beaches of Cofete, within the Jandía Natural Park, the Corralejo Dunes, the Ajuy Caves and the Betancuria Rural Park. A deadline on when they might be introduced has not been set. Area councillor, David Fajardo, has proposed a minimal fee for visitors to La Oliva. "It would not involve a significant cost for the visitor, but it would allow reinforcing services such as cleaning, environmental conservation or maintenance of public spaces," he explained. "It is not a collection measure but a tool that aims that each tourist who stays overnight in La Oliva contributes to the improvement and maintenance of our territory." The Canary Islands have arguably been most impacted by the negative effects of too many tourists of anywhere in Spain. In the first quarter of 2025, 4.36 million international visitors made their way to the islands. As a result, angry locals have hit the streets brandishing banners. Officials in Tenerife are taking action to dampen the impact of overtourism. One such action is a new online booking system for some of the trails in Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to Spain's highest peak. As of this summer, tourists visiting the peak will be charged an 'eco-tax,' and security cameras are reportedly being installed to control the park's visitor numbers.
Edinburgh Live
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
British holidaymaker warning as Lanzarote and Tenerife announce new tourism laws
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Lanzarote and Tenerife are set to "rip up" the tourism rulebook, launching a crackdown on UK holidaymakers with new laws amidst growing protests. Demonstrations have been escalating across Spain, with locals protesting against tourists in the Canary Islands within the European Union. Activists have pledged to invade popular tourist spots, disrupt public events and "confront political leaders". A fresh campaign is set to commence from May 18. "From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated," declared activist group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit). "We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved. "The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few," the statement read. In a separate warning, the group said: "This cry, which reflects the feelings of a people tired of being ignored and mistreated, will be the beginning of a new stage of struggle: firmer, more direct, more uncomfortable for those who refuse to listen to us and take real measures," reports Birmingham Live. Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the regional government, said: "We're doing this the Canary Islands way - extending a hand and listening to everyone." Jessica de León, Canary Islands' Minister of Tourism and Employment, emphasised the importance of resident wellbeing while introducing new regulations. "The new regulation must align with today's social and environmental realities, correcting outdated elements and integrating changes from national and regional rulings, including Constitutional Court decisions," she commented. Responding, a Brit expressed mixed feelings: "You have to feel some sympathy with the Islanders, they need tourism but they need the right kind of tourism. All inclusive kills the local economy however at the same time they need to manage the costs charged and the amount of tourists that can be on the island at the same time." Meanwhile, another individual said online: "I'm glad I spend my money in Britain each year. The North Yorkshire Moors, Whitby, Scarborough, and the famous NYMR (Railway) is worth a visit." Another person suggested a solution for the Canary Islands government: "If the various branches of The Canarian Govt could manage a building programme to house residents into may be a way forward. Even simpler, limit air bnb properties at any one time to a very small % of housing stock available."
North Wales Live
25-04-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Canary Islands set to overhaul tourism rulebook with new laws ahead of mass protests
The Canary Islands are set to shake up the tourism industry, as new regulations loom amidst escalating protests. There has been a surge in demonstrations, with protestors taking to the streets against the influx of tourists in the Canaries, with Tenerife in the spotlight recently. Activists have pledged to target well-known tourist spots, disrupt events, and challenge political figures. The campaign is slated to commence on May 18. "From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated," declared the activist group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit). "We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved. "The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few," the group announced. In an additional cautionary message, they stated: "This cry, which reflects the feelings of a people tired of being ignored and mistreated, will be the beginning of a new stage of struggle: firmer, more direct, more uncomfortable for those who refuse to listen to us and take real measures.", reports Birmingham Live. A public consultation to update tourism laws in the Canary Islands has been launched by the government this week which could 'reshape' the 'vital economic' sector. The consultation, launched on Monday April 21, aims to update the General Tourism Law of 1995 and the 2013 Law on Tourism Renewal and Modernisation and adapt them to the 'current challenges and realities facing the islands'. Alfonso Cabello, the regional government's spokesperson, commented: "We're doing this the Canary Islands way - extending a hand and listening to everyone." Jessica de León, the Canary Islands' Minister of Tourism and Employment, highlighted the importance of balancing tourism with residents' well-being, asserting: "The new regulation must align with today's social and environmental realities, correcting outdated elements and integrating changes from national and regional rulings, including Constitutional Court decisions,". One British commenter showed understanding for the challenges faced by locals, stating: "You have to feel some sympathy with the Islanders, they need tourism but they need the right kind of tourism. All inclusive kills the local economy however at the same time they need to manage the costs charged and the amount of tourists that can be on the island at the same time." Another person enthusiastically recommended British destinations, commenting: "I'm glad I spend my money in Britain each year. The North Yorkshire Moors, Whitby, Scarborough, and the famous NYMR (Railway) is worth a visit." Meanwhile, a third individual suggested a practical approach for the Canarian government: "If the various branches of The Canarian Govt could manage a building programme to house residents into may be a way forward. Even simpler, limit air bnb properties at any one time to a very small % of housing stock available."
