SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 26 December (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Government Council of the Canary Islands has resolved to initiate the process of drafting a new Canary Islands Tourism Law, aimed at establishing a comprehensive and contemporary regulatory framework that addresses the destination’s challenges from a sustainable viewpoint while considering the island’s delicate environment and the welfare of its inhabitants.
As detailed by the Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jéssica de León, during the press conference following the Executive meeting, this initiative will replace the existing Law 7/1995, which governs tourism activities in the Canary Islands.
“This is a statute that was formulated over three decades ago to tackle a reality that is vastly different from today, compelling us to establish a regulation that reflects the current circumstances, responds to the transformations of recent years, and facilitates a shift towards a sustainable and regenerative tourism model,” she stated.
De León emphasised that the implementation of this initiative signifies that “we are diligently adhering to the agenda set forth at the beginning of the legislative term to renew the regulatory framework governing tourism activities, illustrating our position as a reformist and brave Government that does not turn a blind eye.”
This regulatory agenda, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, has outlined four legislative milestones that have already been accomplished. These include the drafting of the Law on Sustainable Management of Tourist Housing Use, aimed at addressing issues such as holiday rentals, a text that the regional government approved this Thursday and will be submitted to the Parliament of the Canary Islands for discussion.
Additionally, there is the modification of the decree for the development of Active Tourism activities, currently in the public consultation phase until 11 January 2025; along with the initial regulation to organise the types of campsites and camps, which is in the drafting stage following public consultation in July.
“The fourth and final milestone on the legislative agenda is the reform of Law 7/1995, which is now commencing its process,” the minister concluded.
