Tourism Launches Two Pilot Projects for Visitor Flow Management and Sustainable Taxation in Natural Areas

The Canary Islands’ Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jéssica de León, defended on Thursday, during a meeting held in Fuerteventura, the need to address the debate on tourism taxation “with serenity, depth and responsibility.” She emphasized that “territorial planning, the implementation of flow‑control mechanisms in natural areas, and the development of smart taxation that directly contributes to their conservation” are essential.

The discussion was first opened at the Demographic Challenge Tables, where topics such as taxation, planning models, public‑use management, and the urgent need to protect the archipelago’s protected natural spaces were examined. De León stressed that “the Canary Islands must take a definitive step toward modern, effective, and sustainable management, where any tax measure is designed to safeguard the environment rather than penalize the tourist.”

Pilot Projects

The Tourism Project Management Agency (Gesprotur), a public company attached to the Ministry, is currently working on two pilot projects that aim to mark a turning point in territorial tourism management.

• Flow‑control simulations in natural parks – described by the minister as “a fundamental tool to define carrying capacities, regulate access, and prevent irreversible damage.”
• Targeted tax mechanisms that would allow Cabildos and municipalities to collect revenues exclusively for the care and maintenance of these spaces.

“Across the island, from the natural caves of Ajuy to Cofete, through the Lobos islet and the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, it is necessary to advance in the planning and management of these areas.” – Jéssica de León

Expert Contributions

The forum featured experts such as former University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) professor Rodolfo Espino and José Antonio Fernández, Conservator Director of the Atlantic Islands National Park in Galicia.

Galician Model – José Antonio Fernández

Fernández explained that the success of the Galician model lies in regulating visitor flows. Distinct access quotas were established for tourists and local residents, and strict controls were applied to diving, navigation, and anchoring based on capacity studies that revealed environmental saturation.

“We recorded 10,500 vessels per year in zones whose real capacity was 150 – it was impossible to sustain.”

By introducing daily caps (2,000 people in Cíes, 1,300 in Ons, and 250 in Sálvora and Cortegada), the park stabilized demand. Visitor numbers did not fall, but peaks disappeared, creating stable plateaus that even improved hospitality sector planning.

“The message is clear: we must be brave. Regulation means conservation, enjoyment, and job creation. Without conservation, you may enjoy the place, but you won’t generate development.” – Fernández

Ecotax Approach – Rodolfo Espino

Espino highlighted that ecotaxes are created precisely for this purpose and must be distinguished from generic tourism taxes. He urged public administrations to take the Lanzarote model as a reference and noted ongoing initiatives in Tenerife, where fees are applied in areas such as Barranco del Infierno, Masca, and soon the Teide.

“Islands like Fuerteventura or Gran Canaria still lack access ecotaxes to natural spaces and should start studying and preparing them, because they not only preserve the territory but also generate specialized employment. In Lanzarote, the Arts, Culture and Tourism Centers employ about 500 people and generate annual benefits close to six million euros.” – Espino

Outlook

De León reminded that managing and ordering visitor flows will be one of the most critical challenges for a territory that receives 18.5 million tourists per year.

“Real sustainability means ordering, regulating, and caring for our spaces. Today we send a clear message: we are already working so that the Canary Islands make that necessary leap.”

The Ministry’s Department will make these tools, studies, and models available to the seven Cabildos, especially those that have not yet begun strategic reflection. The Lanzarote model demonstrates that planning, managing, and implementing targeted fees works and can be replicated across the archipelago.