Sharp Drop in Teide Visitors Following New Ecotax
The President of Tenerife’s Island Council, Rosa Dávila, has announced that the first month of operation for the new ecotax and visitor quota system in Teide National Park has significantly reduced pressure on the protected space. Visitor numbers fell from 38,200 between 19 December and 19 January to just 10,893 from 19 January to 19 February—a drop of over 70%.
Weather and New Rules Combine to Ease Pressure
This data follows a start to the year where severe weather has played a leading role on the island, with access to Teide National Park closed on several occasions due to snow and high winds. These circumstances have directly influenced the decline in visitors since the introduction of the ecotax. Dávila stated in a press conference that the booking system for the Telesforo Bravo and Montaña Blanca trails “has proven to be an effective tool for controlling visitor numbers,” detailing that 94.3% of visitors were non-residents.
Breakdown of Visitors and Conservation Funding
According to the provided data, 4% of users (432 people) were residents of Tenerife, while 124 were from the rest of the Canary Islands. A further 63 slots were used by accredited National Park guides. The Island President also indicated that in this first month “we have managed to raise just over €70,000.” These funds are ring-fenced specifically for the care, conservation, and protection of Teide National Park.
Enhanced Security for a Symbolic Landscape
Dávila defended the measure, stating it “protects the identity of Tenerife residents and the most environmentally fragile trails.” Regarding park security, she assured that the Council is treating the matter “with great rigour and seriousness” and announced a reinforcement of personnel to protect “our most symbolic space.” She explained that security has been bolstered at park access points, viewpoints, and trails to preserve the natural environment and ensure visitor safety.
Dávila detailed that by the end of the month, the number of Environmental Agents assigned to the National Park will increase from two to 13. Furthermore, 16 rural guards will be incorporated to oversee the protected area and act effectively in situations that could endanger the environment. “We are decisively increasing security in Teide National Park,” Dávila emphasised.
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