Investment funds specializing in the tourism sector have found the ally they weren't expecting. The President of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, gave the key to the debate on the State of the Nation this Tuesday. Maspalomas24H reported: investment funds specializing in the hotel sector want Canarian workers to be better paid.Who opposes wage increases in tourism? Companies whose ownership is anchored in family businesses, and the old-fashioned tourism industry sent from Las Palmas to the south of Gran Canaria, which views the Canary Islands' economic capital as an extractive plantation.
The rationale behind the funds is that higher salaries increase the cost of accommodation, and therefore, in a financial environment, this means higher EBITDA in the accounts. This Tuesday, Fernando Clavijo emphasized the need to improve the working conditions of employees in the tourism sector. In a direct message to companies, he indicated that they must choose between increasing salaries, linking them to productivity, or face higher taxes. This statement is part of his commitment to ensuring greater equity in the sector.
During the debate on the state of nationality, Clavijo emphasized that, in a context of economic prosperity, it is the ideal time to reflect on the current tourism model. According to the president, it is not about changing the model itself, but rather rethinking the way we interact and coexist with tourism. In this regard, he posed two key questions: "Is it necessary to continue growing? How can we redistribute the wealth generated?"
Regarding wealth redistribution, Clavijo reiterated his proposal to increase wages or, failing that, taxes, as the only ways to move toward more equitable and supportive islands. He also emphasized the importance of achieving both social and environmental sustainability, questioning whether overcrowded islands will remain attractive to visitors in the future.
The President also warned of the risk of tourism in the Canary Islands "dying of success" if sustainable measures that consider economic, social, and environmental aspects are not adopted. He therefore called for calm and well-founded dialogue, highlighting the crucial role of the working groups of the Conference of Presidents in addressing these challenges without restrictions or prejudices.
