The Lanzarote branch of the PSOE party has urged the local government to impose visitor limits in the island’s natural areas to prevent overcrowding and preserve them. They point to the situation at the Los Volcanes Natural Park, particularly around the Cuervo volcano, as evidence of poor planning regarding visitor numbers.
Ariagona González, the deputy spokesperson for the Socialist group in the Cabildo, has raised concerns over the installation of tents for staff near parking areas, arguing that this does not address the core issue of visitor regulation. “The problem isn’t solved by putting up a tent next to a car park if vehicles and visitors keep arriving without regulations to protect the environment,” she said.
González recalled that in May 2023, the local government, led by María Dolores Corujo, began the process to declare Lanzarote a tourist-saturated zone. This was based on a study indicating that the island had exceeded its capacity.
She accused the current Cabildo president, Oswaldo Betancort, of failing to implement measures in response to this finding, highlighting that over 2,000 new tourist beds have been authorised since his term began, with holiday rentals increasing by more than 110%.
The PSOE has proposed that each natural site should have a defined carrying capacity to determine how many visitors can be accommodated, which would help manage parking and regulate access once the limit is reached. They are also seeking clarification from the local government on the criteria used for the tent installations and parking arrangements in Los Volcanes.
Additionally, they are calling for proper working conditions for information and surveillance staff to be included in future planning, ensuring facilities are appropriate while protecting the landscape. The Socialist group has requested that the Cabildo specify its plans to manage visitor numbers and prevent the overuse of Lanzarote’s natural spaces.
