Else Beekman
The Canary Islands’ rural tourism sector is raising alarms over the unchecked growth of unconventional holiday rentals. The Association of Rural Tourism (Acantur) has criticised public authorities, particularly local councils, for allowing a surge in listings such as ‘cabins’, caravans, and ‘tents’ on vacation rental websites.
Acantur’s president, Pedro Carreño, emphasises in Diario de Avisos the urgent need for regulation to prevent these practices from undermining the region’s landscape and sustainable tourism goals.
The owners often present these unconventional holiday accommodations as a unique opportunity to get in touch with nature or as an original stay. The creativity of providers often knows no bounds. However, thanks to increased prices for more conventional accommodation and greater demand, they are attracting more tourists. This is despite not complying with the 2015 Canary Islands holiday rental legislation.
Examples of accommodation abuses
In May last year, InSpain.news reported on a peculiar holiday accommodation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: a “practical and functional vehicle.” In reality, it was an ordinary car equipped with two sleeping bags and a cool box, lacking essential amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Another notable offering was an “urban camping hostel” in Lanzarote, where tents were pitched on a rooftop and rented out for €12 per night.
Proliferation of ‘accommodations abuses’
Acantur reports a significant increase in online promotions offering unique lodging experiences in areas like southern Tenerife. Listings frequently advertise ‘rooms in nature’, ‘romantic nights under the stars’, ‘beautiful dome tents’, ‘eco-friendly accommodations to wake up to birdsong’, or ‘unforgettable experiences in a fantastic Volkswagen California’. While these options may appeal to tourists seeking novelty, many lack proper authorisation and fail to meet essential safety standards.
Impact on registered rural tourism
According to Acantur’s census, the Canary Islands have 828 registered rural houses committed to preserving heritage and promoting sustainability. In contrast, the rise of unregulated ‘pseudo-accommodations’ jeopardises the quality of the destination. Furthermore, it also poses serious safety concerns. Carreño points out that this ‘plague of pseudo-accommodations’ is causing significant harm to areas like southern Tenerife and islands such as Fuerteventura, where the situation is ‘dramatic’, with villages ‘decimated by holiday rentals’.
Call for political will and regulation
Acantur criticises the ‘passivity’ of public administrations, especially local councils responsible for urban planning and managing classified activities. The association questions whether the Canary Islands aspire to be a sustainable tourist destination or one where ‘anything goes’. Carreño urges authorities to ‘restore order once and for all’ and prevent the ‘massacre’ of rural land, which is causing extensive damage and ‘destroying the landscape’.