SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 31 March (EUROPA PRESS) –
Santiago Sesé, the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has denounced the recent anti-tourism campaign as “organised” by minority groups which unfolded a few days ago, surprising tourists at Tenerife South Airport. He described it as an isolated incident, however, warned that its impact on the sector could be significant.
According to Santiago Sesé, “It is truly irresponsible for events of such magnitude to occur. The problem with such actions is that they do not simply remain local but rather extend beyond borders, reaching the tourists’ countries of origin. This rejection of tourists poses a risk to our economy and portrays a Canarian society that does not align with reality.”
Currently, tourism accounts for 35% of the GDP of the Canary Islands and contributes to 40% of employment, making it the primary economic driving force of the region. Hence, the Chamber of Commerce urges public institutions to promptly tackle this situation to prevent misconceptions about the Canary Islands from spreading and maintain its reputation as a top tourist destination.
“The Islands are currently facing the challenge of sustaining the tourism sector within the increasingly demanded parameters of sustainability. The groundwork is being laid for this, and we believe that these messages only serve to confuse and generate rejection. Propagating messages with incalculable effects based on unfounded data and assessments due to their sensationalism and populism, magnifies and disseminates them without considering their consequences,” added Santiago Sesé.
MOVING TOWARDS A FRESH TOURISM APPROACH
The president of the chamber acknowledges the need for reflection on the tourism model, focusing on mitigating the impacts of tourist influx on the islands. “This is a challenge that involves strategic planning, regulating the undesirable effects that may arise, such as those caused by the uncontrolled surge in vacation rentals following the pandemic,” he remarked. “Regulating both the quantity and quality of this activity will benefit all tourism sectors and the destination. We are confident in the regional government’s current efforts to regulate this,” Sesé expressed.
He emphasised the necessity for infrastructure investments, maintaining existing facilities in optimal conditions, and constructing new sustainable ones. “We must embrace transitional and renewable energies, while upgrading our entire energy storage and distribution network to reduce dependence and enhance sustainability,” remarked the chamber’s president. Additionally, urgent attention is needed for the ongoing water crisis, requiring substantial investment in hydraulic infrastructure.
Addressing the housing crisis influenced by various socioeconomic factors, Santiago Sesé advocates for policies to kickstart public housing plans. “Streamlining procedures to boost the development of public and private housing is crucial. Resources need to be mobilised, and planning processes need to be streamlined to bridge the gap between supply and demand,” he added.
ENHANCED LONG-TERM INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Chamber stresses the importance of relying on real and precise data before making judgements that could jeopardise the economy and future of the Canary Islands and its residents.
“Blaming tourism in a blanket manner, without acknowledging that our deficiencies and issues stem from a lack of planning and investment in essential infrastructure, is common,” highlighted the Chamber’s president. He stressed the need for Canarians to appreciate the role of tourism in the region’s economy and employment.”
Furthermore, he underlined the imperative of planning and regulating activities to meet quality standards. “As an internationally recognised top tourist destination, we must invest in adapting our environment and infrastructure to sustainable growth,” he emphasised.
Santiago Sesé emphasised the importance of assessing and defining the carrying capacity of the territory, natural resources, and essential public services of the Islands. A detailed study is crucial to determine the necessary investments from the revenue generated directly and indirectly through taxes, in the destination and essential infrastructure. “Fostering this virtuous cycle through planning and control from both private and public sectors is a collective responsibility, and there is much work to be done,” concluded the institution’s leader.
