Businesses indicate that recurrent cancellations lead to losses ranging from 600 to 1,000 euros per activity
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, December 23. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Activa Canarias has underscored this Monday, as part of a year-end review, that active tourism is establishing itself as a “vital component” of the model in the Canary Islands, owing to its ability to generate jobs, enhance sustainability, and diversify offerings, despite encountering “critical challenges” such as illegal operations, the unsanctioned closure of natural areas, and frequent alerts.
In a statement, the association highlights the existence of “significant unfair competition” posed by non-accredited firms, leading to the initiation of a strategy alongside the Canarian Police to “identify critical areas” and conduct inspections.
Furthermore, it cautions that the subsector “is destined for considerable economic losses” due to the high volume of climate alert declarations, which hamper the execution of outdoor activities.
“These restrictions, although warranted for safety purposes, have escalated to a point where they severely impact the operational continuity of businesses and their planning processes,” it points out.
In their view, the absence of regulations and coordination allowing for exceptions for trained professionals hampers companies’ ability to adapt and continue functioning under safe conditions.
“The situation has escalated to a critical juncture, with frequent cancellations adversely affecting the reputation of the Canary Islands as a destination. In 80% of instances, customers seek refunds, resulting in substantial losses ranging from 600 to 1,000 euros for each cancelled activity,” he explains.
The third significant challenge, they assert, is the “sudden closure” of natural spaces by public authorities without engaging in active dialogue with businesses, as witnessed recently in the Teide National Park.
Activa Canarias notes that the lack of communication and partnership limits the sector’s capacity to offer solutions that balance environmental preservation with economic activity, “which leaves operators in a state of uncertainty.”
In this context, it emphasises that the administration, “which has taken decades to devise master plans for natural areas, now acts abruptly, driven by fear, seemingly disregarding the existence of a sector dedicated to transforming the tourism model.”
“This sector plays a strategic role in establishing a sustainable tourism model for the islands, and its potential for growth remains far from realised. With the support of inclusive policies and effective collaboration among all stakeholders, Active Tourism and Ecotourism in the Canary Islands have the potential to emerge as a driving force for change, benefiting the local economy, the environment, and the quality of life for both visitors and residents,” states the association’s president, José Luis Echevarría.
3,400 DIRECT JOBS
This subsector is responsible for generating approximately 3,400 direct jobs, with 80% of these being stable, which showcases the robustness and sustainability of employment in these activities.
In total, there are nearly 1,200 companies engaged in Active Tourism, demonstrating a high level of consolidation, as 80% of them have been in operation for over five years.
The sector’s revenue reaches 124 million euros annually, with an average turnover exceeding 130,000 euros per company.
According to Echevarría, the potential for growth has not been fully realised, and he anticipates continued expansion in the foreseeable future.
Moreover, it is estimated that active tourism generates around 12,000 direct and indirect jobs within the Canary Islands, as per data from the Department of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands.
Additionally, with the reform of the Active Tourism Decree currently underway, a significant enhancement in the creation of new jobs is anticipated, broadening avenues for specialised roles.
