The president of the Island Council of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, announced this week that the corporation will begin charging for access to natural areas for non-resident tourists on the island this summer, starting with the Masca ravine in Buenavista.
At a press conference discussing the agreements of the Governing Council, Dávila indicated that a pilot project will be implemented through a three-way agreement between the Town Council of Buenavista, Puertos de Tenerife, and the Island Council. This collaboration aims to enhance services and safety, including reopening the jetty, which has been closed since 2018.
Key Details of the Pilot Tenerife Project:
- Daily Visitor Limit: A maximum of 275 people will be allowed to cross the ravine each day, with an estimated annual capacity of 100,000 visitors. Visitors can access the area freely or through active tourism companies. Additionally, a bus line will be introduced to regulate mobility to the site.
- Management and Pricing: The public company Tragsa will manage the charges for visiting, though the specific fee has yet to be determined. A general ordinance covering all natural areas on the island is in development, with fees in other areas set to start on January 1.
- Environmental and Safety Benefits: This new model is expected to reduce round trips within the ravine, lower the number of accidents and rescues, and mitigate environmental pressure. The limit on visitors is also seen as beneficial for the environment.
- Jetty Enhancements: Up to four boats plus kayaks and canoes will be allowed to anchor at the mouth of the jetty. Recent work on the jetty involved a 1.6 million euro investment to build a dock with 46 concrete blocks and a boarding platform that can also serve as a helipad.
- Extended Guard Hours: The Island Council and the Town Council have agreed to extend the opening hours of environmental guards in the summer from 08:00 to 20:00.
The initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable tourism and enhanced visitor management in Tenerife’s natural areas, setting a precedent for future policies on the island.
