Legal quad companies call for crackdown on illegal operators in Tenerife
Quad tour operators in Tenerife say their sector is being unfairly blamed for overcrowding in protected natural areas such as Teide National Park. Several companies argue that they have become “demonised” in recent months, despite operating legally, while other activities also contribute to environmental pressure.
Business owners stress that they support increased regulation of motorised vehicles, including licences and possible fees, but insist that the authorities must do more to clamp down on illegal operators.
Environmental groups and some active tourism associations have raised concerns in recent months about the impact of motorised excursions in Teide National Park, singling out quad tours as a source of noise, traffic, and environmental stress. In response, legal operators have spoken out to defend their work.
Antonello Demontis, who has run Vilosquads since 2018, said he would welcome controls or even paying a fee to use the park, but noted that “many sectors harm the environment, and people don’t talk about them”. He highlighted that his business has reported unlicensed operators and stressed that properly run companies follow strict rules. For example, each group of five quads must be accompanied by a monitor, with one guide at the front and one at the back to ensure safety.
Demontis added that his teams often face hostility on the roads, particularly when departing from Arona along winding routes. “We don’t want to bother anyone, but sometimes we get insults from drivers,” he said, comparing the treatment they receive to cyclists, “who enjoy much more support”.
On accusations of pollution, he argued that “many things contaminate, from car emissions to hair dye or local fireworks,” and repeated his willingness to pay a park fee if required.
Other operators voiced similar concerns. Pierret, owner of Quad Safari, said she has attended meetings with the Cabildo’s Department of Natural Environment to push for tighter checks on illegal companies. “You invest money to do things properly, while others don’t have permits and damage the environment. It hurts us because we all get tarred with the same brush,” she explained.
Verónica, from Quad Excursions Tenerife, said it was “unjust” that quads are singled out when there are also buggies, jeeps, buses, and other tours operating in the park. She called for a public body to verify that all excursion companies hold the correct licences and permits, suggesting limits on the number of vehicles allowed per operator. She also argued that society often overlooks the training and investment required to run a legal quad business, calling for professional courses to certify quad and buggy monitors.
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