The revision of the Tourism Law in Tenerife and the other Canary Islands is being carried out by the Consejo Canario de Turismo, the Canarian Tourism Council.
Tourism has been the economic driving force of the Canary Islands for decades, accounting for a significant share of employment and the gross domestic product. However, the sector is constantly evolving, influenced by changing traveler trends, environmental awareness, housing issues, and social debates.
Necessary Renewal
The current Tourism Law (7/1995), in force for nearly 30 years, no longer meets the new realities and challenges faced by the islands. In recent years, the call for a revision has grown stronger, due to pressure on housing, caused by the increasing presence of tourist rentals and rising real estate prices, and the growing demand for sustainable tourism, requiring better management of environmental impact, water consumption, and infrastructure. Social unrest and protests against mass tourism, culminating in the April 20, 2024 demonstrations. The need for clear regulations on alternative accommodations, such as campgrounds, camper sites, and eco-lodges.
Objectives
To address these challenges, the Canarian Tourism Council has started the revision of the tourism legislation. The amendments aim to balance economic interests, social needs, and ecological sustainability. This process is broadly supported by governments, businesses, trade unions, and environmental organizations and will be coordinated by the two public universities of the islands. The Canarian Tourism Council, chaired by Jéssica de León, has begun amending the Tourism Law. During the session, members were elected for the jury of the 2025 Tourism Awards, and a preliminary regulation for outdoor tourism accommodations was presented. Additionally, the Canarian Strategy for Tourism Infrastructure was discussed.
Public Consultation
The Canarian Tourism Council, presided over by Jéssica de León, Minister of Tourism of the Government of the Canary Islands, has established working groups to revise the Tourism Law 7/1995 during a meeting held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Minister Jéssica de León informed the members of the Tourism Council, consisting of business representatives, trade unions, and industry associations, about the public consultation being conducted for the revision of the Tourism Law. This consultation provides citizens and organizations with the opportunity to submit proposals.
In her statement, De León referred to the tourism sector as the most competitive sector of the Canary Islands, emphasizing two fundamental principles: The principle of specialization in land use and the principle of unity in operation, which she described as indispensable, but in need of reformulation to create a law that is acceptable to all. Working groups will be established and coordinated by the two public universities under the Islas Canarias Tourism Chair. These working groups will be open to professional organizations, environmental groups, citizen platforms—including those that organized the April 20, 2024 protests—and other stakeholders. The universities will serve as a neutral space for debate and discussion.
New Regulations for Campgrounds and Outdoor Accommodations
Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, Director-General of Ordenación, Formación y Promoción Turística, presented a preliminary draft of the new regulations for outdoor tourism accommodations. This draft includes various types of accommodations, such as campgrounds, camper van sites, and unique accommodations such as treehouses and tipis, which must be regulated by municipal urban planning authorities. Rodríguez noted that different categories for campgrounds and hostels will be established and emphasized that the Canary Islands remain the only Spanish region without regulations for these accommodations. Additionally, he proposed a flexible points-based system, allowing entrepreneurs to earn points for luxury amenities, such as climate protection, shading, ventilation, and humidity control systems. This new regulation, designed with modern tourism in mind, is expected to be finalized within a month.
Tourism Infrastructure and Sustainability
Héctor Mateo, Director-General of Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Tourism Quality, presented the Canarian Strategy for Tourism Infrastructure to the Council. Additionally, José Juan Lorenzo, Director of Promotur Turismo de Islas Canarias, introduced a new digital solution called ‘Journey to Decarbonization.’ The revision of the Tourism Law in Tenerife and the Canary Islands is part of the Climate Action Plan and will enable tourism companies to measure and reduce their CO₂ footprint. Lorenzo stressed the importance of widespread adoption of this solution within the sector.
Turismo Islas Canarias © Photography
Revision of the Tourism Law in Tenerife ©
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