Canary Islands to Introduce Voluntary Tourism Levy for Sustainability Projects

The Canary Islands are opting for a voluntary tourism contribution instead of a mandatory tax to fund sustainability projects. This initiative encourages travelers to support local environmental and community efforts, aiming to make tourism a regenerative force. The funds will finance projects focused on restoring nature and supporting communities, enhancing the archipelago's ecological, social, and cultural aspects.

The system will be implemented across islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. The tourism department plans to initially select five projects: one on each of the most visited islands and one cross-island social project. Project success will be monitored based on emission reductions, habitat restoration, species recovery, landscape improvement, and green job creation, ultimately aiming to reduce poverty.

This approach aligns with climate policy goals by transforming tourism from a consuming industry into a restorative one. Restoring natural areas and improving water, landscape, and habitat management will help the islands become more resilient to drought, heatwaves, and other climate change risks. Climate change is already a pressing issue in the Canary Islands, with water scarcity and rising temperatures posing significant threats. Several islands have already declared water emergencies, and projections indicate a substantial increase in heatwaves.