The Ministry of Tourism and Employment of the Canary Islands Government, headed by Jéssica de León, held a strategic meeting this Tuesday in Tenerife with the First Deputy Mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Alejandro Marichal (CC), at the Canary Islands Parliament.
The objective: to present and analyze the main lines of the Tourism Regulation Bill, currently in the drafting phase, with special attention to the challenges facing Maspalomas, the municipality's most emblematic tourist center.
The meeting addressed three key areas: operational unity, residential development, and legal security for owners and residents—issues that have historically caused friction between tourism and community life in the area.
Operating unit: greater autonomy for tourist apartments
One of the central points was the revision of the principle of unity of operation, in force since Law 2/2013 on Tourism Renewal and Modernization. The amendment would allow for the individual marketing of apartments, offering greater flexibility to owners and facilitating the diversification of the tourist offer without compromising the municipality's urban planning control.
Residentialization: balancing neighbors and tourists
Maspalomas faces a structural challenge: making residential life compatible with large-scale tourism. Marichal requested that Decree 2/2025 be adapted to simplify the process of housing in tourist areas, while the City Council adjusts its General Plan through Provisional Ordinances. This framework will make it possible to combine residential use, second homes, and tourism, ensuring that the future Law reflects the reality of the municipality.
Legal certainty and streamlining of sanctions
Another highlight was ensuring legal certainty for property owners and residents. The need to streamline sanctioning procedures was raised, allowing for rapid suspensions and avoiding protracted litigation, a key measure to stabilize the tourism market and protect the rights of those living in areas subject to high tourist pressure.
Towards sustainable and orderly tourism
According to Councilor Jéssica de León, the meeting was "cordial and positive, aligning positions with the City Council to advance solutions that benefit citizens." The future law seeks to consolidate a sustainable, organized tourism model adapted to the needs of residents, strengthening Maspalomas as a benchmark for tourism in the Canary Islands and Europe.
With these measures, the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana is at the forefront of harmonizing tourism development and quality of life, preparing Maspalomas for a more flexible, safe, and competitive model in the global context.
