Tourism boom on Fuerteventura: curse or blessing for the island?

Tourism boom on Fuerteventura: curse or blessing for the island?

Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands, is facing a dramatic increase in tourist numbers. In the first quarter of 2023, over 758,000 vacationers traveled to the island, an increase of 7.8 percent compared to the previous year. This means that the island has recorded the largest increase among the Canary Islands, while other islands such as Lanzarote and Tenerife only show smaller increases of 1.9 percent and 2.1 percent. Despite the economic benefits to the local economy and labor market, the situation has residents concerned about the strain on infrastructure.

The problems associated with the growing number of tourists are significant. The island's roads, water supply and waste disposal are reaching their limits. Residents express concerns about popular stretches of beach and nature reserves as tourism booms. These concerns became clear last Sunday through demonstrations in Fuerteventura and the other Canary Islands against “unsustainable and exploitative mass tourism”. Critics are urgently calling for more sustainable alternatives in tourism. Experts warn that without targeted planning and investment there is a risk of permanent damage to the island's attractions.

Environment and infrastructure under pressure

The high number of 2,200 tourists per 100 inhabitants that Fuerteventura receives annually is the highest in Spain. About 150,000 vacationers visit the island every month, accounting for 70 percent of the region's gross domestic product and 60 percent of its workforce. There is an urgent need to improve the tourism infrastructure accordingly, as the west coast, including La Oliva and Pájara, is already saturated. In contrast, the east and the interior remain largely untouched.

Despite the existing protected areas, the environment and nature conservation are increasingly being attacked by construction projects. Most recently, the island use plan (PIO) was changed in 2017 in favor of tourism projects, which led to violent protests. Nevertheless, 12 new tourist zones are to be designated, and the planned “Dreamland” theme park near the dunes of Corralejo is causing controversy despite public opposition. The project costs amount to 77 million euros and include various leisure activities. The mayor of Puerto del Rosario supports the project, but this leads to a sharp conflict with environmentalists.

Renewable energies on the rise

Another aspect of development in Fuerteventura is the expansion of renewable energies. 22 wind farms and 51 photovoltaic systems are planned, which would take up a total of around 6.6 million square meters of space. Given that the island only requires 76 megawatts, these projects could greatly alter the island's landscape. Solar farms could generate 217 MW and wind farms 227 MW. Nevertheless, environmental engineer Roque Calero expresses concerns and calls for an overall concept to regulate these projects, especially with regard to the island's sensitive natural areas.

The Minister of Tourism of the Canary Islands, Jessia de Leon, announced a fundamental change in the tourism concept in November 2024. Their goal is to create a clear regulatory framework, redesign the tourist zones and introduce targeted climate protection measures. It emphasizes the protection of the environment and the quality of life of the residents as central concerns. Without these changes, Fuerteventura could endanger not only its natural heritage but also the happiness of its residents in the future.