Canary Islands Pass Landmark Tourist Municipalities Law
The Canary Islands Parliament has approved the long-awaited Tourist Municipalities Law, receiving 63 votes in favour and three abstentions. This marks the end of over 31 years of advocacy. The law, championed by thirteen island councils and later embraced by the Federation of Canary Municipalities, is the first of its kind initiated by local authorities.
Among the municipalities involved are three from Fuerteventura: Pájara, La Oliva, and Antigua, whose representatives attended the parliamentary session.
The new legislation establishes two recognition categories: ‘municipality of tourism excellence’ and ‘municipality of tourism uniqueness’. Recognised municipalities will gain access to various promotional programmes, participate in consultative bodies, and have their needs addressed in tourism-related infrastructure and services. The declaration will be issued by the Canary Islands Government upon request from the respective council.
Lola García, President of the Fuerteventura Council, welcomed the law’s approval, noting it acknowledges the high population pressures these municipalities face due to tourism, as well as the need for enhanced resources for quality public services. “This law creates a framework to align funding with those realities, ensuring public services keep pace with demand,” she stated.
Marlene Figueroa, the island’s Tourism Councillor, remarked that the law recognises the significant role tourism plays in local economies and paves the way for a fairer management model for these regions. She emphasised that Fuerteventura has long called for regulations to cater to the specific needs of tourist municipalities, and this law is a starting point for future planning.
With this legislation, Fuerteventura solidifies the status of its main tourist areas within the Canary Islands’ legal framework, coinciding with record levels of air connectivity and a diverse range of source markets.
