La Laguna Launches Sustainable Tourism Strategy to Ease City Center Crowding
San Cristóbal de La Laguna has launched a series of free guided tours this summer to promote sustainable tourism by encouraging visitors to explore the region's rural and coastal areas beyond the crowded city center.
This summer, San Cristóbal de La Laguna is launching a new tourism strategy designed to balance visitor numbers with environmental protection. Throughout August and September, the local tourism department is offering a series of free guided tours aimed at moving visitors away from crowded city centers and toward the region’s rural and coastal areas. The goal is to encourage more mindful, sustainable exploration of the territory.
The program features three main themes:
- The Water Route (Bajamar): This tour explores the area’s history by highlighting local landmarks, including the Isogue Ravine, the palm groves, and the natural swimming pools.
- Sea, Music, and Mountain (Punta del Hidalgo): This project connects the town’s unique cultural and musical identity with its natural landscape.
- Positive Tourism: These educational walks combine biodiversity and heritage lessons with local food experiences, covering everything from the World Heritage city center to sites in El Batán and Bajamar.
These initiatives reflect a broader trend across the Canary Islands, where officials are looking for ways to manage tourism growth while minimizing environmental impact. The program has already proven popular, with many tours reaching full capacity. Acting Tourism head Fran Hernández noted that the initiative aims to help visitors move beyond simple sightseeing, fostering a deeper, more responsible connection with the local heritage.