Jessica de León: 90% of Canary Islands homes should be for residents, only 10% for vacation use

Jessica de León (born in Puerto del Rosario on 27 January 1984) is the Canary Islands’ Minister of Employment and Tourism. She is approaching the midpoint of a legislative term that will see the approval of new laws governing the archipelago’s main industry. Before the end of the year she expects to green‑light the Tourism Planning Law and the Sustainable Use of Tourist Housing Law, while presenting positive employment figures.

Employment record

“Unemployment is at its lowest level since 2007. We have reduced temporary contracts and are creating jobs in new sectors such as the blue and green economies and the audiovisual industry.”

She highlights a drop of more than 22,000 unemployed people since the legislature began, with youth unemployment falling by over 9,000 long‑term cases and 7,000 young people entering the labour market.

Housing policy

Key proposal: 90 % of housing units must be dedicated to permanent residence; only 10 % may be used for tourism.

“We will stop issuing new licences for five years, inspect existing properties, remove the illegal ones and consolidate the legal ones. This will guarantee a carrying capacity that does not jeopardise residents’ quality of life.”

She argues that the current system has flooded the market with short‑term rentals, driving up prices and leaving locals without affordable homes.

On the alleged addition of 20,000 tourist homes

“Those figures are not legitimate. The State housing law has created a ‘call‑to‑action’ effect because it leaves owners unprotected against squatters, pushing them into the vacation‑rental market. Licences grew by 120 % under the previous government, yet nothing was done.”

She accuses opposition parties of using repeated extensions (including agreements with Vox and Nueva Canarias) to delay the law, and of demanding a moratorium without offering concrete solutions.

On the national government’s pledge to withdraw 53,000 tourist apartments

“It is all smoke. The single‑window system for deregistration does not exist, so we cannot even sanction or remove a single property from the General Tourist Registry. Without data sharing we cannot tell which homes are legal, illegal, or simply unpaid in fees.”

She notes that no homes have been removed because the mechanism to do so is missing, and that the national housing law is the real driver of new listings.

Tourism strategy

Target markets

“Our award‑winning campaigns now aim at premium, silver, sports and nature segments. The message has shifted: visitors are welcome, but they must respect nature, biodiversity, buy locally and stay on marked trails.”

She stresses that the island is more than sun and beach; sustainability is now central to the brand.

Low‑cost airline reductions

“Fewer flights mean higher prices. Whether it is Ryanair, Iberia, Vueling or Binter, reduced connections hurt competitiveness. The PP froze airport fees, yet Aena still makes millions. The Canary Statute guarantees us a seat on Aena’s board – a right that is ignored by the central government.”

She warns that rising airport charges could further erode the islands’ attractiveness.

Social dialogue and labour conditions

“Both unions and employers recognise that they are two sides of the same coin. In the VIII Social Concertation Agreements we will have two tables: one on productivity, another on the causes of sick leave. The government must listen to both, and where dialogue fails, legislation will step in to reduce burdens and promote work‑life balance.”

She highlights ongoing training initiatives for the unemployed, such as driver‑training courses, and the promotion of dual vocational training in partnership with local companies.

Political leadership in Fuerteventura

Jessica de León took over the leadership of the People’s Party (PP) in Fuerteventura in July. She describes the party as “adding talent, organizing internally and focusing on the problems of the majoreros.” She criticises the current Cabildo for lack of new infrastructure, water cuts and housing stagnation, and pledges to keep pushing for change.

“I have always combined my ministerial duties with party responsibilities. I am not alone – the executive committee works together, and if I ever stop adding value, I will step aside for someone better.”

She envisions the PP as the clear alternative for the next elections, emphasizing unity, clear ideas and the energy to “turn impossible projects into reality.”

Citizen protests and the island’s image

“Protests are a global phenomenon. Tourists are aware of them, and that awareness is an opportunity to show that the Canary Islands welcome visitors but expect them to respect local rules and the people who live here.”

She asserts that the demonstrations have not damaged the destination’s reputation; rather, they underline the need for regulated tourism that benefits residents.

Summary of the upcoming legislative timeline

• Tourism Planning Law expected to be approved by November or, at the latest, before year‑end.
• The law will enforce the 90 %/10 % housing split, halt new licences for five years, and launch systematic inspections.
• Additional measures include higher airport fees, stricter water management, and accelerated licensing processes for legitimate housing projects.