Santa Cruz de Tenerife 9 Apr. (Press Europa) –
The vice president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Lope Afonso, stated on Wednesday that the signs indicating the tourist model is “evolving” are “patent”, moving towards an area where it must “align” with the requirements of the residents and the island’s sustainability. He reflected on the transformation of the economic model, acknowledging, “It’s fine as a slogan, but turning it into reality is complex.”
“I have yet to see any plan, either from the demonstrators or any other group, that shows it is feasible to implement that. The sensible approach is to keep working towards reconciliation, which is currently the focus of the Cabildo and has been for some time,” Afonso responded during a press conference. This comes as groups from 20A are set to return to the streets in May in response to the “inaction” regarding the economic model of the Canary Islands.
The vice president of the Tenerife Cabildo emphasised that it is an “obligation” to safeguard the island’s natural spaces, which serve as its primary source of “tourist appeal,” if it hopes to continue as a “source of wealth and employment” in the future. He advocated for a “regenerative and sustainable” tourism approach.
“Therefore, we are committed to managing various areas, such as promoting destinations more effectively in regenerative and sustainable tourism, which takes time to develop and show its benefits,” he noted.
Afonso also concluded that being “in agreement” with certain demands from the 20A groups does not mean he must “accept everything they propose.” He referenced one of the main demands from the demonstrators regarding a change in the tourism model, a proposal that is “good as a slogan” but “complex to implement.”
“That involves replacing tourism as a source of income generation and its impact on other economic sectors,” Afonso remarked, stressing that he has not seen “any plan that demonstrates viability” for such a change in economic model, whether from the demonstrators or another group. Consequently, he urged what is “reasonable”: to continue working towards “reconciliation.”
