The recent gathering of entrepreneurs and professionals in the tourism sector, Futurism 2024, came to a close yesterday with a panel discussion involving representatives from various hotel and non-hotel associations in the Islands. Victoria López, vice president of Ashotel, emphasised the undeniable issue of infrastructure in Tenerife and expressed frustration, stating, “We are weary of waiting for political resolutions.” She also outlined ongoing initiatives by the Tenerife business community to address immediate challenges, such as the introduction of bus services for transporting tourism industry workers.
Addressing the shortage of residential properties, José Fernando Cabrera, the president of the Forum of Friends of the South of Tenerife, highlighted a shortfall of 45,000 homes and proposed making 20,000 units available to locals by the year’s end.
PROTESTS
Reflecting on recent demonstrations, Cabrera mentioned that “the majority of business owners support 80 to 90% of the grievances voiced in the protests.” “Frustration over delays and lack of action is widespread,” he stated during his address.
Pedro David Díaz, president of the Association for the Promotion of Rural Tourism on the Island of Tenerife (Tenatur), acknowledged the diminishing heritage and culture due to tourism activities on the island. Nonetheless, he underscored, “The tourism model in place today is based on territorial and urban planning established four decades ago.”
He expressed concerns over the complexities of altering existing territorial planning legislation, criticising a segment that has operated in a state of regulatory disorder: holiday accommodation.
