Cabildo urges tourism municipalities law to recognize La Palma’s reality
Marlene Figueroa outlines the island corporation’s commitment to quality and sustainable tourism
The proposed Canary Islands law on tourist municipalities must acknowledge the island’s reality as a limited and fragile territory under growing pressure on its resources. This was emphasized by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura through its tourism councilor, Marlene Figueroa, during the General Commission of Island Councils held on Tuesday, 7 October.
The island corporation supports the need for this legislative proposal as a measure that addresses the overload affecting public services—housing, mobility, water—and the environment. However, it insists that the law should consider the entire territory, not only the areas designated as “tourist municipalities.”
For this reason, the corporation aligns itself with the Canary Islands Federation of Municipalities (FECAM) and the Association of Tourist Municipalities of the Canary Islands, urging that:
“The main criteria for determining excellence must be revised: excellence should be conditioned by quality and sustainability criteria, not merely by the number of beds. Pressure on services, mobility, and the real impact on local life must also be considered.”
From the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, the following criteria are proposed:
Rehabilitation versus land consumption – incentivize the refurbishment and renewal of already‑consolidated tourist zones.
“The Canary Islands cannot continue unlimited growth; we must rehabilitate what exists, protect our natural spaces, and guarantee quality services for both residents and visitors.”
Diversification of the tourism offer – promote cultural, sports, scientific, and gastronomic tourism.
The Cabildo also proposes to limit tourist urban growth in the law, establishing requirements such as environmental carrying‑capacity studies and regulated access to natural areas. Stable financing mechanisms from both regional and state levels should be created, and a portion of tourism revenues must be mandatorily allocated to local services.
Finally, the Cabildo defends the participation of local entities through an island commission of tourist municipalities coordinated by the Cabildo.
“This law must guarantee tourism that cares for residents, the territory, and the destination itself,” concluded Figueroa.