Numerous organisations in the Canary Islands – particularly those in business – categorically oppose the implementation of a tourist tax aimed at using the proceeds for environmental, landscape, and service enhancements. However, there are a few that not only concur with the idea but have also started to put it into practice. One such instance is four of the most iconic churches in Tenerife, with the latest to adopt a “symbolic contribution” being the Parish of Our Lady of La Concepción de La Orotava.
From February 17 onwards, the principal church in this northern municipality will charge two euros for all non-residents of the Tenerife province wishing to enter and appreciate its spiritual ambiance alongside the many treasures it houses. This was revealed by the parish priest, Honorio J. Campos, who provided a statement starting with: “The Mother Parish of Our Lady of La Concepción de La Orotava will introduce a small symbolic contribution of 2 euros per person for access to the interior of the temple.” The primary aim of this initiative is “to ensure the proper maintenance and preservation of the building and its cultural assets.” Access will remain free for residents of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province, as well as for children under the age of 6 and duly accredited official Canary Islands Tourism guides.
A well-considered initiative
This initiative has been carefully evaluated by the parish Heritage Board. In addition to funding the preservation of the valuable history held within a temple boasting over 500 years of heritage, this religious community from Orotava aims to enhance security. Natalia Álvarez, part of the Department of Education and Cultural Action of the parish, elaborates on the reasoning: “In recent times, the influx of visitors to the church has become overwhelming, leading to instances of inappropriate conduct.” She clarifies that there have been “specific” episodes that have necessitated increased security measures to address these issues.
For instance, Natalia mentions instances of graffiti within the premises and tourists recording videos for social media while exhibiting behaviour unsuitable for a place of worship and spirituality, such as shouting, singing, breaching restricted areas to reach private sections, climbing on altarpieces, and even causing damage to certain artefacts. Some visitors have even been known to leave food and other litter inside the church. “Although these actions are few, they contribute to the degradation of the space and exert pressure on the heritage we aim to protect,” adds the parish representative.
The Cathedral of La Laguna and the churches in Garachico and Icod already require a “symbolic contribution” from their visitors
This marks the fourth church in Tenerife to introduce a tourist tax. In all instances, these are significant temples frequented by numerous visitors, housing true museums of religious art of immeasurable worth, with conservation costs being considerably high. The Cathedral of La Laguna has been charging since 2017: 5 euros for non-residents wishing to explore its interior. The Mother Parish of Santa Ana in Garachico, and the Main Parish of San Marcos Evangelista, in Icod de Los Vinos, both featuring museum facilities, also follow suit. In both cases, visitors are required to pay two euros, following the example set by La Concepción de La Orotava.
In the case of Orotava, this initiative is aligned with the effort to safeguard the invaluable historical and cultural heritage of the region while aiming to balance the increasing number of visitors with the necessity to maintain the space in ideal conditions. “These types of measures to bolster conservation are neither novel nor isolated,” adds the parish statement, which further clarifies: “In recent times, various public institutions within the Canary Islands have adopted similar strategies to ensure the protection of our most treasured resources.”
The temple intends to enhance control following inappropriate conduct from some tourists and overcrowding
As a “clear example,” the Cabildo of Tenerife has introduced a fee in Masca, in Buenavista del Norte, ranging from 28 euros for non-resident adults to 3 euros for residents from other islands apart from Tenerife, for access to the trail. This initiative is set to be extended to other natural areas such as the Teide, Anaga, and Punta de Teno National Park.
Approximate revenue of a thousand euros daily
Considering that the church in Orotava attracts around 500 visitors, it stands to generate approximately 1,000 euros daily to care for its legacy. It is important to note that the Main Parish of Nuestra Señora de La Concepción represents the pinnacle of baroque architecture in the Canary Islands and is deemed one of the most opulent temples on the Island, which has led to it being popularly referred to as The Basilica or Cathedral of La Orotava.
The interior is equally valuable, as it hosts a sacred art museum titled The Treasure of La Concepción. This museum comprises a prized collection of items and artefacts utilised for divine worship, including liturgical furniture, images, paintings, processional litters, sacred vessels, monstrances, hymn books, musical instruments, and decorations. To view this remarkable collection, considered one of the most significant instances of religious art in the Canary Islands, visitors will need to pay two euros for admission to the entire site.
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