Government Aims to Have First Draft of Tourism Law Ready by Year‑End

Jéssica de León defended a “competitive, sustainable and fair” regulation. After a prior public consultation and five working tables with the Canary universities, gathering 705 contributions, the tourism minister appeared before the Parliament of the Canary Islands to champion a law that will replace the 1995 and 2013 statutes. The executive is confident the text will be ready before the end of 2025.

Legislative background

The Parliament of the Canary Islands resumed its work this week after the summer break, debating a new step in drafting the Tourism Management Law. The legislative initiative has completed the public‑consultation phase with more than 700 submissions, and the Ministry of Tourism and Employment expects to have the law’s text ready before the year ends.

The process was finalized through the creation of five working tables organised by the two public Canary universities, allowing participation from all key sector and territorial agents. Their contributions will be taken into account in the drafting of the new bill, together with inputs from other public entities, collectives and private parties.

“The goal is that this future regulation, which will replace the 1995 Tourism Management Law (Law 7/1995) and the 2013 Renewal and Modernisation Tourism Law (Law 2/2013), provides the Canary Islands with a regulatory framework that meets current and future challenges so that the archipelago remains a competitive, sustainable and socially just destination.” – Jéssica de León, Ministry of Tourism and Employment

Intervention at the request of coalition partners

Jéssica de León (People’s Party) addressed the chamber at the behest of her coalition partners (Canarian Coalition). She outlined the non‑negotiable principles of the new law:

“A solid legal framework will be guaranteed that protects the right to truthful information, ensures swift complaint procedures and service provision with absolute respect for the natural and cultural heritage of the Canary Islands.”

Regarding the regulation of the tourism offer, the draft will encompass all accommodation modalities present in the territory and the new marketing channels.

“It is essential to establish registration and control mechanisms that guarantee service quality, user protection and the sustainability of tourist accommodation, which is one of the pillars of our model.”

After more than six decades of tourism development, some zones and micro‑destinations have become obsolete, jeopardising their competitiveness. The new text therefore includes clear measures for renewal and modernisation of both public and private spaces.

“We are talking about infrastructure, lodging establishments and also shopping centres that, in many cases, tarnish the image of the destination. Investing in sustainable architecture not only reduces the carbon footprint, thanks to energy efficiency and the use of less polluting materials, but also allows us to revalue our mature destinations, turning them into true climate refuges.”

The minister also stressed the need to adapt the principle of exploitation unity to the Canary Islands’ territorial configuration and ownership structure.

“New tourism marketing and intermediation channels will be incorporated, aligning our regulations with European and national legislation, but from the perspective of our autonomous competencies. This will enable us to guarantee service quality, the commitment to the Canary Islands destination, and to advance the decarbonisation strategy we are already promoting.”

Other tourism activities—such as restaurant services, with gastronomy as the main driver—must adapt their offers to guarantee the highest levels of quality, safety and risk prevention. Public administrations are called to plan and manage tourism services with stability and sustainability criteria, ensuring appropriate scale and efficient investment management.

Technical‑professional tourism training, from school‑hotels to university programmes, will occupy a prominent place in the new law.

“The requalification of the destination depends on local talent, and for that we will maintain the consultative commission for tourism professional training as a reference body.”

Finally, the draft will embed a clear, updated sanctioning regime that precisely defines infractions and penalties, including new offences linked to territory, sustainability, energy transition and consumers’ digital rights.

Key points of the future Canary Islands Tourism Law

• Robust legal framework guaranteeing truthful information, swift complaint procedures, and respect for natural and cultural heritage.
• Comprehensive regulation of the tourism offer: all accommodation types and emerging marketing channels, with registration and control mechanisms to ensure quality, user protection and sustainability.
• Renewal and modernisation measures for obsolete destinations and micro‑destinations, promoting sustainable architecture that lowers carbon footprints and revalues mature areas.
• Adaptation of the exploitation‑unity principle to the archipelago’s territorial and ownership realities, aligning with European and national norms while preserving autonomous competence.
• Updated sanctioning regime covering infractions related to territory, sustainability, energy transition and digital consumer rights, plus tools to streamline administrative management.

Timeline and next steps

• First draft ready before year‑end (2025).
• Ongoing dialogue with administrations and the sector to fine‑tune measures and ensure alignment with state and EU legislation.

Broad participation and sustainable tourism (Bermúdez, CCa)

Deputy José Manuel Bermúdez (Canarian Coalition), who requested the minister’s appearance, defended a law that steers toward a sustainable, diversified model with social justice and respect for Canarian identity. He called for effective participation of island councils, municipalities, professionals and citizens, urging a focus on quality over quantity, rehabilitation over new construction, and a balance among economy, society and environment.

Opposition positions

• Lucía Fuentes (PSOE): criticised the minister for ignoring citizen discontent, accusing her of siding with the large hotel industry at the expense of small owners and showing little “receptive” or negotiating capacity.
• Natalia Santana (Nueva Canarias): warned that the legislation is driven by those promoting