Emilio Navarro serves as the mayor of Santiago del Teide. He outlines his vision with determination, well aware that the progress of his city is built on the fundamental pillars of strengthening employment and tourism excellence. Data supports the existence of a solid project and management model.
What measures has the local Government implemented to boost employability in the municipality?
“When we took office, we were facing a widespread crisis across the country. The first thing we did was provide solutions to reverse a challenging situation. With effort and dedication, we can now proudly state that we are close to full employment. As part of our actions, we have worked closely with local businesses to implement various initiatives aimed at attracting labour and enabling companies to sustain their operations. These measures have been successful, leading to increased workforce participation.”
Do you promote entrepreneurship by offering assistance to those looking to start a business?
“We have several interesting initiatives. The first is an entrepreneurial grant of €3,000, and the second is another grant of €4,500 to support the establishment of new businesses and the renovation of existing establishments in the municipality. We fund 50% of the investment, up to a maximum of €4,500. We also provide a subsidy for the agricultural sector, amounting to up to €2,500, aimed at modernizing agricultural facilities. Around 15 individuals start businesses in the municipality each year, with only one having closed due to business expansion.”
Is Santiago del Teide the Canarian municipality that allocates the most investment per inhabitant?
“We have a clear vision for what we want in Santiago del Teide. We have tirelessly sought external investment, making us the municipality that receives the most grants per capita. We execute over 97% of the ordinary budget and the various adjustments made to meet our investment goals in the locality.”
In terms of tourism, how do you assess a pioneering municipality like Santiago del Teide?
“We work closely with the tourism sector and businesses to advance the municipality in terms of tourism. We promote the renovation of various resorts, infrastructures, and public tourist spaces to further establish Santiago del Teide as a leading destination. We are committed to achieving zero marine waste by 2024. Additionally, we have unique attractions such as the Cliffs of Los Gigantes. In recent years, we have focused on enhancing visitor experiences, yielding positive results and highlighting our beautiful landscape. We are initiating a pilot project with a renowned hotel in the area to offer excursions to tourists staying in the municipality, allowing them to enjoy their experience without leaving Santiago del Teide. Another key aspect is our emphasis on the synergy between tourism and the primary sector. It’s worth noting that many young individuals have joined the primary sector through training and professional development. Furthermore, we continue to strongly support the concept of locally sourced products integrated into the municipality’s hotels.”
What measures does the council take to promote sustainability in the region?
“As mentioned earlier, by 2024, there will be zero marine waste in Santiago del Teide. We currently comply with 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the European Union, including circular economy practices, social responsibility, and the transition to energy-efficient lighting to support savings and energy efficiency, among other important initiatives to align with EU directives.”
What is the municipality’s cultural focus?
“We continue to emphasise culture in its various forms, as well as traditional expressions and its connection to the municipality’s history. We have made significant enhancements to various cultural centres, such as the new space in the heart of Santiago del Teide, the renovation of the Cultural Centre in Tamaimo, or in Puerto Santiago, where we have funds to start a new auditorium. We offer pottery or painting workshops, along with a music school with over 230 students. Of course, we celebrate, preserve, and promote our traditional festivals.”
What are the short and medium-term prospects for the municipality?
“In Santiago del Teide, we are progressing towards full employment and focusing on key areas such as the circular economy and collaborative efforts to address housing and mobility issues in the municipality. I am pleased to announce that we will soon have positive news on this front. It is essential that the quality of life in Santiago del Teide is optimal for its residents. Furthermore, we continue to achieve transparency, possibly making us the most transparent municipality in Canary Islands, which is crucial for citizens to access information. There is a clear project in place for Santiago del Teide, and we are committed to our management model.”
