Jéssica de León, Minister of Tourism and Employment for the Government of the Canary Islands, has presented the "Canary Islands Strategy for Island Tourism Infrastructure," an ambitious project aimed at maximizing the profitability of public investments and ensuring that the archipelago’s residents are the main beneficiaries of the improvements. This document is the result of a participatory process involving the seven island councils, 88 municipalities, and numerous business and social associations.
The presentation was attended by Héctor Mateo, Director General of Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Tourism Quality, and Moisés Simancas, professor at the University of La Laguna and member of the drafting team, alongside representatives from the island councils and associations such as Ashotel. The strategy is based on a detailed analysis of infrastructure needs for each island, aiming to implement actions that enhance both the tourist experience and the quality of life for residents.
The Minister emphasized that the plan seeks to build a more sustainable tourism model from social, economic, and environmental perspectives, placing residents at the center of tourism sector policies. Additionally, the model is designed to embrace responsible tourism that respects the territory and local traditions, values the archipelago's culture, and contributes to the well-being of the community.
The strategy is organized into 41 strategic axes, grouped into five main areas: accessibility and safe mobility; digital transition and tourism intelligence; diversification and excellence of the tourist experience; environmental sustainability; and climate change mitigation. Héctor Mateo highlighted that the defined lines are flexible and adaptable to local specificities, with a clear long-term vision to value the territorial heritage of the archipelago.
Moisés Simancas pointed out that infrastructure not only improves the experience of tourists but also plays a fundamental role in the well-being of residents, directly influencing their quality of life. After approval by the Council of Government and official publication, the strategy will be implemented through specific agreements with the island councils to fund concrete projects aligned with the established guidelines.
With this initiative, the Government of the Canary Islands seeks to establish itself as an example of sustainable and innovative tourism, valuing the archipelago's natural and cultural resources and ensuring a positive and lasting impact on the local community.