The Tenerife-based Association for Research, Study and Excellence in the Tourism Sector in the Canary Islands (Excelcan), chaired by Santiago de Armas (Lopesan), has described the unions' strike announcements and the Canary Islands Government's request for mediation in salary negotiations as "hasty", arguing that the collective bargaining process has not yet been completed.
Santiago de Armas clarified that the association does not act as an employers' association and therefore cannot make direct decisions on these issues. However, it is committed to promoting a debate on the impact of reducing working hours. The association's presidency has pointed out that one of the main obstacles to maximising the sector's potential is the shortage of qualified personnel. Although it is recognised that reducing working hours can be beneficial for employees, it also adds complexity to the situation, which is aggravated by absenteeism.
However, the vice-president of the business entity, José Carlos Francisco, director of Loro Parque and president of the CES of the Canary Islands, emphasised that it is essential that the process remains within the scope of collective bargaining, without premature government interventions, and that the issue of the reduction of working hours is considered. "Until this aspect is clarified, it is premature to begin to demand changes," he said.
One of the main demands of the unions is that salaries be equal to the profits generated by tourism in the Islands, which reached 22 billion euros in 2024. Excelcan stresses that tourist spending in the Canary Islands is not limited to hotels, but also covers other sectors such as international transport, car rental, catering and leisure activities, which requires a broader analysis of the economic context.
Regarding the shortage of qualified personnel, De Armas indicated that working conditions are not the only factor contributing to this situation, but that aspects such as housing and mobility also play a role. Francisco concluded by stating that the Canary Islands remain a highly competitive tourist destination and, despite the challenges, they remain one of the strongest in Europe. "It is normal to talk about problems, but we must remember that we are the most powerful European destination. We must not forget to feel proud of our destination. The kindness and professionalism of our staff are key to making tourists feel welcome. We have an excellent hotel complex. It is also important to highlight the positive aspects," he concluded.
