The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has proposed a legal reform to combat fake online reviews, which negatively affect the tourism and hospitality sectors. The initiative seeks to amend the General Law for the Defense of Consumers and Users, requiring verification that reviews come from real consumers who have used the service in the last 30 days. Furthermore, the purchase of reviews will be prohibited, and businesses will be able to request the removal of fake comments by presenting evidence. The reform has early parliamentary support from parties such as the Canary Islands Coalition and follows regulations adopted in other European countries, such as Italy.
Ensuring that online reviews are authentic and verified is key to preserving southern Gran Canaria's reputation as a quality tourist destination. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs' proposal to reform the General Law for the Defense of Consumers and Users, which requires verification that comments come from real guests within the last 30 days, is a crucial step. This means that platforms such as Google, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com will have to implement authentication mechanisms similar to those of TheFork, limiting reviews only to those who have booked, visited, or consumed at the establishment.
TheFork's model can serve as a benchmark for the tourism and restaurant sector in southern Gran Canaria. Its system, based on real reservations, data traceability, and pre-moderation, has proven effective in combating fake reviews. Applying this approach to tourist accommodation, beach bars, and leisure activities would automatically filter out fraudulent reviews, boost consumer confidence, and protect businesses from smear campaigns. Furthermore, allowing the right to reply strengthens the system's transparency and gives local businesses a voice.
To accelerate this change in the region, hospitality and tourism associations can promote agreements with platforms that already apply these standards or require review sites to integrate validation systems connected to digital payments, QR codes, or reservations linked to ID or mobile phones. Furthermore, it would be useful to promote local awareness campaigns among tourists and residents about the importance of leaving authentic reviews, which contribute to improving the real tourist experience. Together, these measures would consolidate a fairer and more reliable digital environment for one of Gran Canaria's economic drivers.
