Active tourism companies complain that weather alerts "drown" their activity

The Association of Active Tourism and Ecotourism Companies of the Canary Islands (Ecoactiva) has denounced this Monday that the declaration of weather alerts "drowns" its activity, damages the image of the islands as a safe destination and causes significant losses in their business.

In a statement, the companies in the sector complain that, in 2024, they were prevented from carrying out their activity for 86 days, which is practically equivalent to one in four days of the year.

"This translates into significant losses and a negative impact on the image of the Canary Islands as a safe destination for active tourism and ecotourism," says its president, José Luis Echevarría.

According to Ecoactiva Canarias, the losses they suffer due to this type of decision "range from 700 to 1,000 euros per day per company".

"With more than a dozen activities suspended on average per company, hundreds of tourists unable to carry out the activity and a flood of economic refunds, the association believes that the problem is becoming increasingly pressing," he adds.

The companies emphasize that the alternative activities they offer to their clients when this happens "do not always satisfy a tourist who comes with clear interests, undermining the visitor's experience and the reputation of the destination in this way".

According to their figures, the most affected islands were La Palma, with 72 days; Gran Canaria with 69; El Hierro with 67 and La Gomera with 66; Tenerife, with 60; Lanzarote, with 26; Fuerteventura, with 24; and La Graciosa, with 21.

Fires, wind, rain, maximum temperatures, coastal phenomena, haze or storms were the reasons for these stoppages that, in most cases, the companies in the sector detail.

Ecoactiva Canarias proposes to promote the development of an "Economic contingency plan", with a compensation fund, the creation of a centralized and updated portal where restrictions derived from alerts can be consulted and "a policy of exceptions for certified companies that allows the realization of activities in safe areas".

It also demands "a better implementation of weather stations for a more appropriate measurement".

"All of this will result in greater confidence in the management of climate risks and a reinforcement of the image of the Canary Islands as a destination for active tourism and ecotourism," he says.