CIT Sur calls for Mobile Safety Alerts to tourists during weather warnings
CIT Sur, (The Centre for Tourism and Initiatives of South Tenerife) wants the Canary Islands Government to expand the use of the ES-Alert mobile warning system so it can be used not only for emergency alerts, but also to provide real-time safety information about areas such as hiking trails and coastal zones due to weather warnings.
CIT Sur wants the system to be activated during periods of adverse weather when official alerts are in place, helping to inform both residents and tourists about dangerous conditions to save lives, and will present their proposal to the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies, and the Canary Islands Ministry of Tourism.
The call comes amid growing concern over risky behaviour by visitors, including recent incidents where tourists ignored warnings and swimming bans during storms, with fatal consequences in Tenerife.
“Serious Threat” alerts without causing alarm
CIT Sur is proposing the use of the “Serious Threat – Level 3” alert, a category recognised under European regulations. This level is designed for situations that require caution but do not warrant full emergency alarms. Examples include strong winds, dangerous sea conditions, heavy rainfall, extreme heat or snowfall.
According to the organisation, this type of alert would allow authorities to share clear, preventive information and even warn of possible transport disruption, as already happens in other European countries.
Messages direct to tourists’ phones
CIT Sur highlights that in a highly touristic region like the Canary Islands, the ability to send warnings directly to 4G and 5G mobile phones in different languages, without the need to download any app, is a major advantage.
David Pérez, Vice President of CIT Sur, points out that tourists don’t always get to see local media: “Social media algorithms and the digital environment do not lead tourists to our local news outlets,” he explained.
Clear information saves lives
While stressing the importance of personal responsibility, the organisation insists that clear, immediate and accessible information helps people better understand risks and make safer decisions.
This is especially important in situations such as trail closures, restricted access to natural areas or sea condition warnings. “Any information that reaches tourists is vital if we are to prevent incidents,” Pérez added.
A preventive approach to a changing climate
At present, ES-Alert is mainly used for major emergencies such as wildfires or volcanic eruptions. CIT Sur believes expanding its use would allow for a more preventive approach to weather-related risks, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
They also argue that this move would strengthen the Canary Islands’ reputation as a safe, responsible tourist destination, aligned with international civil protection standards.
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