The Maspalomas destination has set itself the goal of spearheading the transformation of the sun and beach tourism model in Spain. At a recent meeting held in Madrid, organized by the Alliance of Sun and Beach Tourism Municipalities (AMT), the island destination, represented by its mayor, Marco Aurelio Pérez, emphasized the urgency of redefining a sector that, despite its economic vitality, faces key structural challenges.
San Bartolomé de Tirajana is one of the eight pioneering destinations that joined the AMT in 2017, an alliance that today represents more than 20% of foreign overnight stays registered in Spain. This position is no small feat, especially considering that municipalities like Gran Canaria, with local populations often under 70.000, must undertake colossal investments in services and infrastructure to serve millions of visitors annually.
This disproportionate burden generates a considerable fiscal and investment effort, reinforcing the demand for fair financing and structural compensation mechanisms for tourist destinations. The situation in San Bartolomé de Tirajana perfectly reflects the need outlined in the 2030 Coastal Tourism Plan, a roadmap promoted by Exceltur and supported by the AMT (Association of Tourist Authorities). This plan proposes a new model for coastal destinations based on sustainability, resilience, and digitalization, with a stronger connection to residents and the environment.
During the conference "Challenges and Future of Sun and Beach Tourism in Spain," Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez played a prominent role in the debate on "Smart Destinations, Key to Leading the Digital Transformation." Along with his counterpart from Lloret de Mar, Adrià Lamelas, the Gran Canaria mayor analyzed the opportunities offered by analyzing large amounts of data and applying "tourism intelligence" to achieve more competitive and sustainable destinations. Experts such as Alex Villeyra of Mabrian reinforced the idea that "a smart destination is one that knows how to interpret reality in real time and adapt its strategy accurately. Data must cease to be a luxury and become a structural tool."
San Bartolomé de Tirajana's active participation in these national forums reflects the municipality's determination to lead the necessary transformation. The demand for adequate funding for destinations that support the bulk of Spanish tourism activity was a unanimous cry at the meeting. The more than 20 speakers, including mayors, presidents of employers' associations, and industry experts, agreed on the importance of "rethinking the current tourism model from a comprehensive perspective, one that is more sustainable, smarter, and more connected to the regions, working through collaboration, innovation, and responsibility." San Bartolomé de Tirajana, with its strategic role in the AMT, not only defends these ideas but also implements them in its daily work, positioning itself as a benchmark in the pursuit of more balanced and resilient tourism for Gran Canaria and for all of Spain.
