Canary Islands Motorhome Owners Demand Regulatory Reform Amid Economic Growth

Motorhoming in the Canary Islands has evolved from a niche hobby into a significant economic force. However, this growth is currently hitting a wall due to over a decade of legal uncertainty. Following a massive protest in Tenerife involving 423 vehicles, the Canary Association of Motorhome Owners (ACAT) is stepping up its campaign for change. With over 15,000 motorhomes now registered in the islands—a number growing by more than 10% annually—the community is demanding a clear regulatory framework.

The core of the issue dates back to a 2009 law that removed references to campsites without providing a new system for outdoor stays. This legal gap has left motorhome owners in limbo, forced to rely on outdated state rules. While the Canary Islands government began drafting new regulations in June 2025—which would finally allow for 72-hour overnight stays—ACAT argues that the 2017 Land Law remains the biggest hurdle. This law makes it extremely difficult and expensive to build facilities on rural land, effectively blocking private investment.

To break the deadlock, ACAT is now combining political lobbying with practical solutions. They are meeting with political parties and hotel industry leaders to push for motorhoming to be recognized as an activity of "general interest." This status would make it much easier to build necessary infrastructure. Several private projects are already being considered across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura, including a proposed 50-space site in San Miguel de Abona that would require a €200,000 investment.

ACAT is also highlighting the economic benefits of the sector. They estimate that motorhome owners contribute significantly to the local economy, noting that a recent 30-day gathering generated nearly €150,000 in local spending. To further support the industry, the association has proposed adding waste-disposal "eco-points" to existing facilities, a move they say would cost less than €5,000 per unit.

Despite these efforts, tensions remain high. The association is currently involved in several legal battles over height barriers in public car parks and access restrictions in areas like Teide National Park. The path forward now rests on the Canary Federation of Municipalities (Fecam) and its ability to create consistent, island-wide rules—a process that hotel association Ashotel has pledged to support using ACAT’s own technical proposals as a starting point.