Numerous organisations across the Canary Islands – notably commercial entities – categorically oppose the introduction of a tourist tax, intended to channel those revenues into environmental, landscape, and service enhancements. However, a few entities are not merely in favour but have commenced its implementation. A notable example is four of the most iconic churches in Tenerife, with the latest to adopt the “symbolic contribution” being the Parish of Our Lady of La Concepción de La Orotava.
From 17th February, the principal church in this northern municipality will charge two euros to all non-residents of Tenerife who wish to enter and experience its spiritual atmosphere and the array of treasures it houses. This announcement was made on Thursday by the parish priest, Honorio J. Campos, who stated: «The Mother Parish of Our Lady of La Concepción de La Orotava will implement a small symbolic contribution of 2 euros per person for access to the interior of the church.” The primary aim of this initiative is “to ensure proper care and conservation of the structure and its cultural assets.” Admission will remain complimentary for local residents of Santa Cruz de Tenerife province, who are also part of the Nivariense Diocese, as well as for children under six years of age and officially accredited Canarian tourism guides.
An Informed Decision
This decision has been met with considerable deliberation by the parish Heritage Board. Alongside funding the conservation of the extensive wealth held by a church boasting over 500 years of history, this religious community in Orotava aims to enhance surveillance. Natalia Álvarez, from the parish’s Department of Education and Cultural Action, elaborates on the reasoning: “In recent years, the influx of visitors to the church has become overwhelming, leading to instances of inappropriate behaviour.” She clarifies that these are “isolated incidents” but have compelled them to increase surveillance resources to mitigate such occurrences.
For instance, Natalia refers to graffiti within the premises and tourists recording videos for social media while engaging in inappropriate behaviours unsuitable for a place of worship and spirituality, such as shouting, singing, breaching boundaries to access private areas, climbing on altarpieces, or even damaging artefacts. Some visitors leave food and litter within the church. “While these actions are in the minority, they contribute to the degradation of the space and place undue pressure on the heritage we strive to protect,” states the parish member.
The Cathedral of La Laguna and the churches of Garachico and Icod already request a “symbolic contribution” from visitors
This initiative marks the fourth church in Tenerife to introduce a tourist tax. In each case, these are significant temples that attract many visitors, serving as true museums of invaluable religious art, the conservation of which incurs considerable costs. The Cathedral of La Laguna has implemented this charge since 2017, asking for 5 euros from non-residents who wish to visit its interior. Similarly, the Mother Parish of Santa Ana in Garachico and the Main Parish of San Marcos Evangelista in Icod de Los Vinos, both of which possess museum facilities, also charge two euros, mirroring the approach of La Concepción de La Orotava.
In the case of Orotava, the initiative is embedded “in the effort to safeguard the valuable historical and cultural heritage of La Orotava, while attempting to balance the growing number of visitors with the necessity to maintain the space in optimal conditions.” The parish statement emphasises that “similar conservation-support measures are neither a novelty nor are they isolated,” detailing: “In recent years, various public institutions in the Canary Islands have initiated comparable policies to ensure the protection of our most valuable resources.”
The temple will enhance controls following inappropriate conduct by some tourists and overcrowding
A clear illustration of this can be seen in the fee implemented by the Cabildo of Tenerife in Masca, Buenavista del Norte, which ranges from 28 euros for non-resident adults to 3 euros for residents from other islands, for access to the trail. This measure is expected to expand to other natural sites such as Teide National Park, Anaga, or Punta de Teno.
Potential Daily Revenue of about a Thousand Euros
Given that the Orotavense church attracts around 500 visitors daily, this initiative could yield approximately 1,000 euros each day to preserve its legacy. It is worth noting that the Main Parish of Nuestra Señora de La Concepción stands as a prime example of baroque architecture in the Canary Islands and is regarded as one of the most opulent churches on the island, often referred to as The Basilica or Cathedral of La Orotava.
This wealth is evident not only externally but also internally. It houses a museum of sacred art known as The Treasure of La Concepción, which comprises a valuable collection of items and objects utilised for divine worship, including pieces of liturgical furniture, religious images, paintings, processional litters, sacred vessels, monstrances, hymn books, musical instruments, and ornaments. To view this significant assemblage of religious art in the Canary Islands, visitors must pay two euros for access to the entire property.
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