Representatives of the tourist municipalities have approved this new classification in their general assembly, agreed upon with the Canary Islands Federation of Municipalities (FECAM), to request its incorporation into the final text of the law.
The association is advancing the development of the 'Canary Green' project to create a collaborative network between municipalities and businesses and promote the transition to sustainable tourism.
La Association of Tourist Municipalities of the Canary Islands (AMTC) At its general assembly, the Canary Islands Municipalities Council (FECAM) approved a proposal to amend the Law on Tourist Municipalities, drafted in consultation with the Canary Islands Federation of Municipalities. The text seeks to strengthen the definition and recognition of tourist municipalities by introducing a differentiated classification between those that stand out for their "excellence" and those whose strength lies in their "uniqueness."
According to the mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Pérez, "This differentiation stems from the evidence that not all destinations have the same characteristics and needs. While those municipalities where tourism is the predominant activity and generates different needs than those of a conventional location are recognized for their excellence, others have a unique appeal derived from their cultural, heritage, natural, or ethnographic identity and would be recognized for their uniqueness."
For his part, the president of the AMTC and mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, He explained that "the differentiation between excellence and uniqueness allows the Law on Tourist Municipalities to become a fairer and more effective instrument, adapted to the diversity of local realities. By recognizing the strengths and challenges of each type of municipality, a more equitable allocation of resources, more efficient management of tourism, and a boost to the sustainable development of the territory are guaranteed."
This proposal will be submitted for consideration during the parliamentary process for the Tourist Municipality Law. It represents an important step forward in paving the way for the final text, with which the AMTC aims to achieve a legal framework that recognizes the unique characteristics and specific needs of those places where tourism constitutes the main driving force of their economy and directly influences their organization, management, and provision of public services.
During the AMTC Assembly, representatives from the 14 tourist municipalities also shared their contributions to the public consultation to define the future regulatory law that will structure the sector in the Canary Islands.
The vice president and mayor of Mogán, Onalia Bueno, He explained that "the AMTC must play an active role in defining the direction in which the Canary Islands should go, in key aspects for the future and sustainability of the sector, such as residentiality, management capacity, and the tourism approach."
The challenge of moving towards a more sustainable tourism model
At the meeting, representatives from the 14 tourist municipalities of the AMTC reflected on the global challenge of maintaining competitiveness while prioritizing citizen quality of life and the potential of new technologies to generate new opportunities.
Furthermore, the pioneering project "I'm Canary Green, travel consciously, experience the Canary Islands" has been further developed. This project, promoted by the AMTC in collaboration with Telefónica, aims to create a collaborative network between municipalities and tourism companies, with the aim of aligning efforts around the destination's sustainability and competitiveness to drive the transition toward sustainable tourism.
The project includes the launch of a free mobile app that will connect conscious tourists with committed businesses, offering geolocation of participating companies, filters for sustainable activities, rewards for good practices, and responsible consumption routes.
The Association of Tourist Municipalities of the Canary Islands is made up of: Adeje, Antigua, Arona, Guía de Isora, La Oliva, Mogán, Pájara, Puerto de la Cruz, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Santiago del Teide, San Miguel de Abona, Teguise, Tías and Yaiza.
