Strategic Lobbying for Canary Islands Tourism amid EU Regulation
The Canary Islands rely on tourism as the engine of its economy, and the private sector is working to shield this crucial industry from the burden of new European Union laws. When Brussels introduces measures that touch emissions, taxation in air travel, or other environmental rules, there is concern that the archipelago could face adverse consequences. The fear is that, without coordinated action, the sector could be forced into costly compliance that risks thousands of jobs and the viability of many companies across the islands. In response, ten major Canary Island tourism firms with local capital, decision centers in the archipelago, and representation balanced between the two provinces organized a formal lobby. The aim is to ensure the interests of the Canaries are visible and heard during legislative discussions in Brussels, so policies reflect the unique circumstances of the islands well before deadlines arrive. This proactive stance helps prevent scenarios where the archipelago must scramble to implement measures at the last moment and to avoid policies that could threaten its future.
With a view to safeguarding regional influence, the lobby aligns with a broader national effort similar to Exceltur, a prominent national alliance that seeks to influence European policy on tourism. Its activities target Brussels and the entire network of tourism authorities, including the Canary Islands and neighboring autonomous regions. The message from leaders within the group emphasizes a clear intent: to inform, participate, and shape Community policy on tourism. The group asserts that the Canary Islands should lead in regulatory discussions in Europe as the industry’s pioneer, backed by solid business outcomes and visitor data that demonstrate their capabilities on the continent.
A key figure explained that this organized effort emerged from a period of reflection on aligning the interests of both provinces in the Brussels arena. The objective now is stronger than ever, particularly as environmental regulations intensify and begin to touch tourism directly. The approach is to cooperate from the Canary Islands and to avoid reacting late to laws or issues that could have immediate effects on the sector. The leadership team includes executives who oversee regional hotel and tourism groups, with governance that also features other notable representatives from related sub-sectors. This collaboration aims to present a united front and to contribute constructive input as policies are drafted.
Ongoing government support in the Canary Islands lends credibility to this initiative. A formal cooperation agreement has been signed to advance tourism development and to mark a milestone event—an upcoming European tourism islands congress in the archipelago. The congress aligns with Excelcan’s broader ambition of playing a leading role in regional tourism, aiming to attract millions of visitors and to amplify the region’s voice in regulatory debates about tourism. The leadership within the group stresses the importance of active participation in European policy discussions to ensure regulatory frameworks recognize the archipelago’s distinctive conditions.
Beyond the core members, several other companies collaborate with Excelcan, including major groups and industry players that contribute to a diverse and balanced representation across the archipelago. The coalition’s formation traces back to 2021, following the realization of how Europe’s restrictions and policy developments could impact local tourism. Today, the organizers emphasize regional cohesion and a steady, forward-looking approach to engagement in Brussels, with a shared goal of protecting the sector while fostering sustainable growth across the Canary Islands. As senior leaders note, the objective remains to have a consistent voice and influence on regulations that shape tourism in the archipelago now and in the years ahead.
References within the industry point to the collaboration’s potential to shape key policy areas, from emissions-market reform to environmental taxation considerations in air transport. The strategy centers on proactive dialogue, timely information sharing, and formal participation in EU policy cycles. The overarching aim is to ensure the Canary Islands are not merely reactive to EU rules but are active contributors to their design and implementation. The alliance positions itself as a regional, balanced, and forward-thinking body that can mobilize resources and expertise across the island groups. It remains to be seen how this approach will influence upcoming regulatory debates, but the early momentum signals a serious attempt to safeguard and elevate the archipelago’s tourism sector under Europe’s evolving environmental framework. (Excelcan, 2024)