In an interview with Diario de Fuerteventura and Diario de Lanzarote, the Minister of Tourism and Employment for the Canary Islands, Jessica de León, made it clear that the government is focused on supporting residents during the ongoing housing crisis.
"In this current housing emergency, the government is clear: choose residents," she said. De León stressed the importance of reforming regulations on holiday homes and housing to ensure that not all homes are turned into tourist accommodations.
She believes that a balanced approach is necessary, allowing residents to live close to their jobs without having to endure long commutes.
When asked if she regretted the reform process, de León confidently replied that she had no regrets. She highlighted the need to prevent speculation on residential land and to ensure that housing is available at fair prices.
Additionally, she urged local councils to take responsibility for planning in both areas facing residential housing stress and those with potential for growth, as supported by a Supreme Court ruling.
De León also addressed concerns about the increasing number of holiday rentals, comparing the situation to wine, good in moderation but harmful in excess. She pointed out that holiday homes are currently found on various types of land, leading to a lack of oversight.
She acknowledged that regulations are needed to bring order to the situation, stating that her goal is to correct what she sees as a chaotic situation.
While de León expressed a desire to reach a consensus with the holiday rental industry, she recognised that this has been challenging. She noted that the industry often defends its own interests, while the government must prioritise the well-being of over two million residents in the Canary Islands.
In response to criticism about the government's role in economic regulation, de León argued that even liberal economies need rules to function effectively. She pointed out that regulations across Spain increasingly recognise the importance of zoning and managing tourist capacity to avoid over-tourism.
While she acknowledged that holiday homes can help address the housing crisis, she insisted they cannot be the only solution, reaffirming that the government prioritises residents.
De León also noted that some councils have shown little enthusiasm for the new law, citing delays in issuing building permits for the construction of residential housing as a reason. However, she highlighted examples of municipalities that have quickly implemented regulations, suggesting that others could do the same.
As the conversation about the future of tourism in the Canary Islands continues, de León emphasised the need to attract higher-value tourists. She believes that the region should adapt to changing demands to keep the economy strong.
Regarding wealth distribution in the tourism sector, she stressed the importance of improving wages and working conditions, saying that the government is committed to encouraging dialogue with unions and employers to negotiate fair salaries.
Finally, addressing the differences in salaries between the Canary Islands and the Spanish average, de León reiterated the need for ongoing progress and conversation. She recognised that while the tourism sector offers competitive wages, it is important not to become complacent, expressing her hope for a thriving economy across all sectors, believing that a balanced approach would ultimately benefit the residents of the Canary Islands.
