Gran Canaria Council Develops Dedicated Eco‑Tax for Roque Nublo Access

When asked whether the tax will be in place before the end of 2025, Álamo prefers to be cautious, “without raising expectations or misleading anyone.”

The Tourism Counselor of the Gran Canaria Island Council, Carlos Álamo, announced on Thursday that the administration is developing a dedicated eco‑tax for visitors who wish to access Roque Nublo.

A New Fee on the Horizon

“It is possible that, in the coming months, we will see a fee or charge specifically for accessing Roque Nublo,” Álamo told the digital programme ‘A buenas horas’, hosted by José Luis Martín, in an interview reported by Europa Press.

He explained that Roque Nublo was chosen because its access points are easier to regulate than other natural areas, such as the Dunes of Maspalomas.

“The proposal is on the table, and both the Presidency and the Environment Department will implement it. I believe we will end up with a tax of this nature in Gran Canaria as well,” he added, emphasizing the cross‑departmental nature of the initiative.

Timeline and Caution

When pressed about whether the tax could be introduced before the end of 2025, Álamo remained guarded, insisting that the council does not want to “raise expectations or mislead anyone.” He noted that the project has been under study for several months, with officials weighing the pros and cons.

Learning from Tenerife’s Experience

Álamo referenced the Teide eco‑tax in Tenerife, which charges a fee for an information service that distinguishes between residents and non‑residents.

“If that model proves sustainable, it will set a precedent and create jurisprudence that other institutions can follow,” he said.

Next Steps

According to the Tourism Counselor, the key to moving forward lies in:

• Collecting accurate visitor data
• Assessing the financial viability of the tax
• Determining the appropriate amount, taking into account the need for additional services and staff to manage access control

“Sooner rather than later, we will have a tax of this kind in Gran Canaria,” Álamo concluded.