The Canary Islands may introduce entry fees for holidaymakers to visit its protected areas. (Image: Getty)
The could earn 420million euros (£354million) a year by introducing entry fees for visiting its protected natural spaces, a major blow to those who enjoy exploring these stunning landscapes whenever they choose.
This amount is double what would be raised by a proposed , revealed regional Tourism Councillor Jessica de Leon.
She highlighted the success of the system already implemented in the top tourist destination of Lanzarote, where fees for public access to natural spaces are reinvested in the local economy.
currently generates 60m euros (nearly £51m) from entrance fees to its art and natural centres, which generates jobs, boosts small businesses and freelancers and makes for an all-round better tourist experience.
Ahead of the Canary Islands’ participation in the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid later this month, De Leon explained that such a system could be used as an example for elsewhere in the archipelago.
:
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are now exploring similar measures including access fees. (Image: Getty)
De León advocates for what she calls “intelligent taxation” – a system in which local and regional governments impose fees directly tied to specific purposes. This model is different to an ecotax, which she argues lacks direct benefits for conservation or local residents, according to .
“Excess revenue often ends up in bank reserves rather than being reinvested in public services,” De León said.
and are now exploring similar measures, including controlling visitor flows and implementing access fees for protected areas like the Teide National Park.
Don’t miss… [REVEAL]
The Canary Islands recorded an extraordinary year in 2024, with nearly 18m international tourists. (Image: Getty)
The Canary Islands recorded an extraordinary year in 2024, with nearly 18 million international tourists and residents. In Fuerteventura alone, tourism brought in total revenue of .
The UK solidified its position as the archipelago’s most significant market, accounting for over 40% of all international arrivals. Nearly 6.3 million visited in 2024, marking an increase of over half a million compared to 2023.
Given its substantial annual visitor influx, the archipelago holds promise to set a precedent for sustainable tourism and effective taxation practices in Spain.