On Monday, the president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, asserted that tourism entrepreneurs must undergo a transformation, emphasizing the need for responsibility and higher wages to ensure that the wealth generated by the sector benefits society as a whole.
Speaking in an interview with the Ser radio station and reported by Europa Press, Clavijo stressed that the current situation cannot continue unchecked. He underscored that the tourism industry is “exploiting something that belongs to everyone,” thus advocating for shared responsibility among stakeholders.
In his view, tourism must recognize its pivotal role as the main source of wealth for the region. Given this, he argued that stakeholders, who profit substantially, bear the responsibility to democratize this wealth and contribute to the growth of other sectors.
While expressing concern about reports of tourists facing harassment at airports, Clavijo also voiced support for the planned public demonstrations on April 20, seeing it as a crucial avenue for societal expression of discontent.
Clavijo expressed confidence in the upcoming Conference of Island Council Presidents, scheduled for April 30, highlighting the importance of collaborative urban planning involving all stakeholders, including Island Councils and local municipalities.
Discussing the tourist moratorium, he acknowledged the past mismanagement of the policy, leading to significant compensation payouts. However, he sees the current moment as an opportunity for collective dialogue and the formulation of inclusive policies with broad support from both government and opposition.
Regarding the holiday rental law in the Canary Islands, Clavijo characterized it as a bold measure aimed at regulating a market segment that has seen significant growth but also negative consequences, particularly in unregulated residential areas. He stressed the need for quality standards to enhance the tourism experience and criticized practices such as rooftop rentals or makeshift accommodations in commercial premises.
Clavijo affirmed the government’s commitment to defending the general interest of the Canary Islands through transparent regulation and inclusive decision-making processes, underscoring the importance of public engagement in shaping the region’s future.
