The Canary Islands government approved the Active Tourism Decree this Monday, a regulatory amendment that, under the banner of "quality and sustainability," represents a strategic victory for the niche and experiential tourism lobby, historically outside the purview of large hotel associations such as the FEHT (Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs) of Las Palmas. This decree is a crucial economic indicator. The Canary Islands government's ability to legislate in favor of a segment that is not fully aligned with the traditional mass hospitality lobby suggests a turning point in the strategic direction of regional tourism, focusing on risk diversification and the incorporation of versatile human capital into the sector.
The approval, following the Advisory Council's ruling, is a sign of the fragmentation of power in the sector and underscores the growing pressure to evolve beyond the mass sun-and-sand model that dominates investment in the archipelago. The new regulation, which affects an ecosystem of 1.200 companies and 4.000 jobs, seeks to "update" the 2017 regulations. The key lies in striking a balance between the need for professionalization and the promise not to create "barriers, excessive requirements, or limitations that impede the practice of the profession." A large portion of the clientele is in the south of Gran Canaria, and thus the FEHT tourism products will now have competition accredited by the PP in the Canary Islands Tourism Board.
By facilitating the administrative authorization of companies and professionals and recognizing multiple qualifications (degrees, certificates, accreditations), the Government, through Minister Jéssica de León, is opening the door to investment in the "experience economy." This could attract venture capital focused on ecotourism, wellness, and sports activity startups, seeking to diversify the Canary Islands' GDP in line with the Canary Islands Agenda for Sustainable Development (ACDS 2030).
The promise to avoid disproportionate requirements is viewed with skepticism by major players in the traditional hospitality industry. While the goal is to prevent intrusion and ensure safety, the flexibility in the dynamic classification of activities could generate legal uncertainty and call into question the homogeneity of quality standards, a critical factor for luxury consumers who demand consistency.
The Regional Ministry argues that active tourism "helps disseminate the values of the region without impacting the environment and has a positive impact on the local population." This rhetoric contrasts with the recurring criticism of mass tourism for its ecological footprint and low impact on local income. The amendment to the decree recognizes that tourist demand is shifting toward "participatory knowledge of the natural and social environment." By integrating the National Catalogue of Professional Competence Standards, the Canary Islands is attempting to professionalize a historically informal sector, a move that investors will interpret as an improvement in the labor market and consumer safety.
