Canary Islands shift tourism strategy to attract quality visitors

The Canary Islands government is shifting its tourism strategy to prioritize "quality over quantity" after a year of anti-tourism protests. Officials aim to attract environmentally conscious visitors rather than the traditional all-inclusive tourists. In 2024, the islands expect a record 16 million visitors but will focus on the economic impact of each tourist. The government plans to improve existing hotels for efficiency and invest in renewable energy for water desalination. Tourism accounts for nearly 30% of the Canary Islands' GDP, significantly higher than the national average. Officials recognize the need to balance economic benefits with sustainable practices to address local concerns about overcrowding.