Tenerife Tourism Sector Challenges Anaga Vehicle Restrictions, Calls for Regulated Access
Tenerife’s tourism industry is calling for a regulated access system in Anaga Rural Park to replace vehicle bans, urging local authorities to adopt a collaborative management plan that balances environmental preservation with economic activity.
The management of Anaga Rural Park has become the center of a debate over sustainable tourism in Tenerife, following the La Laguna City Council’s recent decision to restrict tourist vehicles in the protected area. The Canary Islands Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (ACAVyT) is calling for a new approach, arguing that instead of outright bans, authorities should use technical planning based on the environment’s actual capacity.
This view, supported by the Association of Operators of Natural Spaces of Tenerife (AOENTE), emphasizes the need for better cooperation between the island council (Cabildo), the local government, and business leaders. The tourism sector agrees that the well-being of local residents must come first, ensuring that traffic congestion does not negatively impact their quality of life.
Travel agencies believe the solution is not a unilateral ban, but a regulated access system that encourages organized group transport. In this model, official guides would play a key role in educating visitors and ensuring they behave responsibly. The industry also points out that rental car users contribute significantly to the local economy by supporting nearby services and businesses.
This conflict highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the preservation of natural heritage with economic activity. ACAVyT has formally requested an urgent meeting with local authorities to reach a consensus. Their goal is to create a comprehensive management plan that protects the ecosystem while still allowing for tourism, avoiding restrictive measures that the industry fears will be ineffective without a more coordinated strategy.