Tostón Tower Welcomes 22,000 Visitors with Entry Tickets

In its first year of operation since the restoration and reopening to the public, the former defensive structure in northern Fuerteventura has generated revenue exceeding €40,000. The tourism department of La Oliva plans to extend the Torre del Tostón model to other municipal spaces, a strategy that revitalises heritage while returning income to the town council.

The Torre del Tostón, located in El Cotillo, surpassed 22,000 visitors during 2025, cementing its status as one of the main cultural and tourist assets of the municipality of La Oliva.

The historic site, declared a Bien de Interés Cultural and built in the 18th century to defend the Majorero coast, has become a reference cultural space for both residents and tourists, strengthening La Oliva’s positioning as a destination that blends heritage, identity and tourism.

The town council disclosed that, throughout 2025, the tower recorded more than €40,000 in ticket revenue and welcomed over 22,000 visitors, the majority coming from European markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and France, alongside a significant presence of local and Canary Island visitors.

The introduction of a ticket‑collection system at the Torre del Tostón has improved ticket sales and allowed precise monitoring of visitor flow. According to the council, the model is based on “transparency” and lays the groundwork for a management approach that preserves heritage while making it economically viable.

The Tourism Department, headed by David Fajardo, explained in the municipal statement that the initiative focuses on economic development, cultural identity and social cohesion, aiming to offer visitors an experience that generates additional benefits that flow back to the municipality.

Towards a Municipal Network of Tourist Museums in La Oliva

Mayor Isaí Blanco emphasized:

“These figures show that when we care for our heritage and open it to the public, the response is clear. The Torre del Tostón is the example of the model we want to promote: living, useful cultural spaces capable of generating economic activity and social return for our neighbours.”

Blanco added:

“Our goal is to move towards a municipal museum network that highlights La Oliva’s history, while also being sustainable and contributing to the town’s development.”

Tourism councilor David Fajardo further noted:

“We are consolidating a more diversified tourism model, where heritage plays a key role. The Torre del Tostón proves that it is possible to attract visitors year‑round and, at the same time, generate income that allows us to keep improving these spaces.”

He also highlighted the broader impact:

“This strategy not only benefits the visitor; it has a direct impact on the local economy, improves public services, and creates job opportunities for our university graduates.”

The council also underlined the importance of the resident audience, especially Canary Island locals, who constitute a core user group and help turn these sites into genuine cultural meeting points.

The Torre del Tostón experience is part of a wider strategy to recover and energise municipal heritage, which includes the progressive creation of a network of museums and interpretive centres across the municipality.

In the council’s final assessment, the initiative combines conservation, innovation and management to ensure that La Oliva’s historic heritage is not only preserved but also becomes a real engine for the local economy.