Concerns raised over major new tourism development in south Tenerife

Plans for a major new tourism development near Playa San Juan in Tenerife have come under scrutiny over their potential impact on the coastline and surrounding area.

The proposals concern the Costa San Juan sector in Guía de Isora, covering more than 265,000 square metres of land close to the coast.

According to details highlighted by Drago Canarias, the planning arrangements could ultimately allow the development of around 1,100 tourist beds and two hotels, together with other development affecting approximately one kilometre of coastline.

The political group is now demanding explanations from Guía de Isora Council and the Tenerife Cabildo over the planning process and the potential environmental and territorial consequences.

Concerns over scale of development

Drago Canarias has questioned the reparcelling of land within the Costa San Juan sector and argues that a project of this scale requires greater scrutiny because of its location and potential impact.

The group has raised concerns about further urbanisation of Tenerife's western coastline at a time when the scale and future direction of tourism development on the island are under increasing debate.

The proposals are particularly significant for Playa San Juan, as it is an area that has retained a substantially different character from larger tourism resorts in southern Tenerife.

Development of 1,100 tourist beds would represent a sizeable addition to the area's existing accommodation capacity.

Two hotels included in plans

The proposals include provision for two hotel developments, although the current controversy relates to the planning and land-management process rather than an announcement that construction of the hotels is about to begin.

That distinction is important, as the project remains subject to planning procedures and the debate surrounding its development.

Drago Canarias is seeking clarification over the decisions taken by the authorities and wants the environmental implications of developing the area to be fully assessed.

The group has also questioned how the project fits with wider commitments to controlling tourism growth and protecting remaining undeveloped coastal areas.

Tourism development remains contentious

The Costa San Juan plans emerge against the backdrop of an increasingly prominent debate over tourism growth in the Canary Islands.

Tourism remains the islands' principal economic sector, but major new accommodation projects are facing greater scrutiny over their impact on infrastructure, housing, natural resources and the environment.

The debate is particularly sensitive in coastal areas where new developments can permanently alter the character of existing communities.

For Playa San Juan, the potential addition of two hotels and approximately 1,100 tourist beds means the future of Costa San Juan is likely to attract considerable attention as the planning process develops.