The rural tourism sector in the Canary Islands is facing significant challenges due to the increasing presence of illegal holiday accommodation on protected and rustic lands. The unregulated holiday rentals is threatening the survival of legitimate rural tourism businesses. Rural tourism in the Canary Islands, primarily composed of around 800 rural houses capable of hosting over 4,000 guests, is mainly concentrated in the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria. However, a surge in unauthorized vacation properties in mid-mountain villages is putting this niche sector under severe strain, with many of these properties operating outside the legal framework designed to protect the area’s rural heritage.
The rise of illegal holiday rentals is described as a significant concern for rural tourism owners. These unlicensed accommodations, which often bypass planning regulations, are creating an oversupply in areas that were traditionally home to rural tourism properties. The illegal holiday lets, typically listed on online platforms like Airbnb, are not subject to the same regulations that govern the operations of licensed rural houses, which include adhering to building and zoning laws designed to preserve the integrity of rural landscapes. As a result, the market is flooded with non-compliant options, undermining the efforts of legitimate rural accommodation providers who are committed to maintaining the authenticity of the local environment.
The local government has acknowledged the importance of addressing this issue and has taken steps to mitigate the crisis. A study commissioned by the Canary Islands Government aims to assess the state of the rural tourism sector and determine the best course of action to protect it from further erosion. This study is seen as an essential step towards understanding the scale of the problem and developing a targeted response. Additionally, a long-awaited Vacation Rental Law is currently under consideration in Parliament, which is expected to set clearer guidelines for vacation rental properties across the region.
Moreover, the government is working to implement a Rental Registration Number (NRA) system, which would require all holiday lets listed on platforms such as Airbnb to be registered with a unique identifier. While this system applies to most types of vacation rentals, rural houses are exempt due to their classification under a different legal framework. Despite this, many rural accommodation owners remain skeptical of local councils’ ability to enforce these laws effectively, citing a lack of action in monitoring and regulating illegal properties.
Local councils are seen as having a significant role in overseeing urban planning, land use, and the enforcement of laws regarding tourism on rural land. However, critics argue that town halls have been passive in addressing the issue. It is claimed that councils rarely take action against unlicensed holiday rentals or the construction of illegal properties on protected landscapes. The concern is that without active oversight and enforcement, the integrity of the rural tourism sector will continue to decline.
Rural accommodation owners argue that the survival of their businesses hinges on stronger political support, improved town planning discipline, and better technical training within municipal offices. They stress the need for greater financial and heritage preservation support to ensure that rural tourism can continue to thrive in the face of mounting competition from illegal rentals. These operators believe that rural tourism offers a vital alternative to mass tourism, allowing visitors to enjoy personalized experiences, relax in open landscapes, and connect with local traditions.
Rural tourism is described by many as the antithesis of mass tourism. Unlike large hotels and resorts, rural houses offer an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the local culture, history, and natural surroundings. These rural accommodations are seen as vital custodians of the Canarian identity, showcasing the islands’ unique culture and landscapes in ways that large-scale tourist developments cannot. The argument is made that rural tourism offers a more sustainable and culturally enriching alternative to the mass tourism model, which often leads to overcrowding and environmental degradation.
As the rural tourism sector in the Canary Islands continues to face challenges from illegal holiday rentals, there is hope that forthcoming governmental measures, such as the Vacation Rental Law and the Rental Registration Number system, will provide much-needed regulation and support. However, rural tourism businesses remain concerned about the lack of effective action from local councils and the ongoing threat posed by unlicensed accommodations. The survival of this important sector depends on a concerted effort from both the government and local authorities to protect the region’s natural and cultural heritage, ensuring that rural tourism can continue to provide visitors with authentic, sustainable experiences for years to come.
