Tenerife Council Takes Control of Teide National Park with Plans to Halve Visitor Numbers

The Tenerife Island Council has officially taken over the management of Teide National Park, marking a major shift in how the island’s natural heritage is protected. This change is more than just administrative; it signals a new era of stricter rules designed to reduce human impact on the park’s fragile ecosystem.

During an event at the Cañada Blanca Visitor Center, Island President Rosa Dávila announced an ambitious plan to cut the number of visitors to the park by half. To reach this goal, the council is introducing a new mobility model that prioritizes shuttle buses and circular routes. Access will also be managed through a reservation system, which will limit entries based on specific time slots and visitor quotas.

Financially, the park’s management is set to change significantly. A new "eco-tax" for non-resident visitors, along with fees for specific services, will help fund the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the area. The council has confirmed that local residents will continue to have free access, maintaining a policy that favors the island's population.

These measures are supported by a key legal change: the reclassification of the TF-21 road. The stretch between Boca Tauce and El Portillo has been moved from local jurisdiction to become part of the National Park itself. This is a crucial step, as it gives environmental officers the legal authority to regulate traffic, restrict access, and issue fines—powers they previously lacked.

This move reflects a growing global trend of prioritizing environmental sustainability over mass tourism in protected areas. By taking direct control, the Island Council now has the authority to tackle the serious issues caused by overcrowding and better protect the park for the future.