Jorge Marichal, the president of Ashotel, the hotel employers' association for the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has expressed his concern regarding the number of inquiries from foreign tourists, particularly British, asking if it is ‘safe’ to come to Tenerife!
In a radio interview, Marichal said he was apprehensive about the negative portrayal of Tenerife in international media, especially the British press, which has prompted tourists to question the safety of visiting the island.
He also pointed out the impact of upcoming demonstrations scheduled for April 20th by groups advocating for changes in the current tourism model. While acknowledging the rights of these groups to protest, Marichal cautioned against the unintended consequences such actions may have on tourism and the overall economy of Tenerife.
Speaking from the perspective of British or German tourists, Marichal highlighted the discomfort they might experience if confronted with unwelcoming messages upon arrival in resorts and urged for a balanced approach that addresses concerns while preserving the vital tourism sector.
Regarding activists threatening a hunger strike over contentious projects in the south of Tenerife, like the La Tejita hotel and the Cuna del Alma complex, Marichal criticised their tactics as counterproductive and accused them of populism. He defended the legal rights of project promoters while acknowledging the need for dialogue and compromise.
Addressing demands for a change in the tourism model, Marichal provided insights into the evolving landscape, noting a decrease in hotel and extra-hotel establishments despite a slight increase in overall bed capacity. He attributed challenges like traffic congestion and rising rents to the proliferation of holiday home rentals, which have now grown to 220,000 over the past decade.
In conclusion, Marichal lamented the confusion surrounding the discourse on tourism, emphasising the importance of constructive dialogue and aligning infrastructure with the changing demands of the industry. He advocated for a proactive approach that embraces innovation while addressing legitimate concerns raised by various sectors of the population.
