Rosa Dávila, the leader of the Cabildo of Tenerife, highlighted on Monday that the large protests witnessed last Saturday on all the islands represent a “turning point” in addressing changes in the tourism model in the archipelago. She is in favor of introducing charges for tourists to access natural spaces and has acknowledged the overwhelming presence of visitors.
“As the leader of the Cabildo, I understand the message from the people, the thousands who protested last Saturday, and many others who share the same concerns even if they did not attend the demonstration,” she emphasized in an interview with Radio Club Tenerife as reported by Europa Press.
Rosa Dávila, Jorge Marichal (president of the Ashotel employers’ association), and Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands Government, were the focus of many slogans during the Tenerife protest on the 20th of April, which ended with the reading of several manifestos in front of the Cabildo.
Dávila has suggested that the fees imposed in natural spaces should have a specific purpose to contribute towards their maintenance and enhancement. She cited examples such as the Teide National Park, the Masca hamlet, and the Anaga Biosphere Reserve.
The leader mentioned that the tourism model of the Canary Islands was successful five decades ago when it transitioned the region from being a rural and impoverished society to a thriving one, as people no longer had to seek work abroad. However, currently, there is a lack of opportunities for the youth, and talented individuals who have prepared themselves also struggle to find prospects locally and often have to relocate.
She stressed the need for a review of the tourism model to ensure better integration and equitable benefits for the entire society. Additionally, she called for an increase in the wages of workers in the tourism subsector.
“We all fear that our children will have a lower standard of living than our parents. The objective of any economic model should be to enhance the society it serves,” she noted.
“Tenerife Is Not a Theme Park”
Responding to the idea of reducing the tourist influx, she suggested the necessity to protect the limited territory through potential legal and fiscal measures. This shift would steer tourism towards regeneration and awareness that Tenerife is not merely a recreational destination, but a living environment that should be preserved.
She also highlighted the challenges posed by the prevalence of tourists everywhere and the resultant pressure on natural spaces.
Beyond focus on tourism, she stressed the importance of addressing the demographic increase, particularly in Tenerife. She emphasized the significance of listening to experts and awaiting the outcomes of the conference of council presidents convened by the Canary Islands’ President, Fernando Clavijo, scheduled for April 30th.
She expressed the need to establish a strategic plan to develop a more sustainable and diversified economic model.
Addressing the issue of the tram’s capacity during the protests, the president expressed deep regret over the circumstances, noting that arrangements are typically reinforced for massive events and expressing uncertainty about the adequacy of preparations for this incident.
