Jorge Marichal, president of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Hotel and Non-Hotel Association, Ashotel, and CEHAT covering Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has reiterated his support for the Canary Islands’ new Holiday Rental Law, which is currently under parliamentary review.
However, he maintains that the legislation is long overdue, stating that it "is coming 10 years too late."
In an interview with Radio Televisión Canaria, Marichal lamented that for the past decade, the holiday rental market has operated without proper regulation, while the hotel industry has been subject to over 70 rules and regulations.
He highlighted the stark contrast between the two sectors, noting that hoteliers must comply with stringent requirements, even as detailed as the wattage of hairdryers installed in their rooms.
According to Marichal, this lack of oversight has given holiday rentals an unfair competitive advantage, allowing them to expand rapidly without the constraints faced by traditional hotels.
“In 10 years, the number of tourist beds in the Canary Islands has doubled without any form of regulation. We oppose this because it creates an imbalance in the sector," he said.
Despite his concerns, the hotel industry leader clarified that he is not against holiday rentals as a concept but insists they must be subject to fair and appropriate regulation.
Marichal's remarks come amid growing debates over the impact of short-term rentals on the local housing market, tourism economy, and competition within the hospitality sector. The proposed law aims to establish clearer guidelines for the sector, balancing its economic benefits with the need for regulatory control.
