The President of the Canary Islands has hit back at criticism over the region’s tourism strategy, insisting the government welcomes visitors but won’t allow uncontrolled growth at the expense of the islands’ resources and natural beauty.
Speaking in Parliament earlier today, Tuesday, Fernando Clavijo made it clear the government is not against tourism but warned: “This is not a free bar.”
He was responding to questions from Vox MP Nicasio Galván, who raised concerns about a drop in bookings from British tourists. Clavijo defended the government’s stance, saying the archipelago must protect its future so that “our children and grandchildren can live here.”
The president said the government “rolls out the red carpet” for local people, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to invest in the islands and help generate wealth, but must ensure that “this wealth is distributed fairly".
“We’ll never be against tourism,” he said, “but we’re firmly in favour of the Canary Islands and fair working conditions. Of the €25 billion the tourism sector brings in, the more that stays here, the better.”
Clavijo argued that keeping more of the money made from tourism in the Canary Islands is important to help reduce poverty and social problems.
He also took aim at Vox for trying to scare people about safety, saying the party was causing unnecessary worry. Clavijo also stood by the government’s support for unaccompanied migrant children, calling it a “fight for dignity” for young people who have gone through real hardship to find a better future.
