During a recent assembly in Tenerife, San Miguel de Abona was officially welcomed as the 14th member of the AMTC, which now represents the main tourist destinations across these islands, encompassing over 20% of the archipelago's population.
José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, AMTC president and mayor of Adeje, emphasised the significance of incorporating prominent tourist destinations to ensure a unified municipal approach in this vital sector for the Canary Islands' economy. He stated that FITUR, the Madrid tourism trade fair taking place next week, presents a "great opportunity to showcase our strength as a leading destination." Rodríguez Fraga highlighted the municipalities' commitment to sustainable tourism, focusing on projects that promote best practices and enhance residents' quality of life.
AMTC vice president and mayor of Mogán, Onalia Bueno, highlighted the development of the Tourism Sustainability Plan, which has secured eight million euros for implementation across the 14 municipalities. She advocated for collaboration among tourist municipalities as a "key element" in establishing a sustainable model that respects both visitors and local communities. Bueno also mentioned initiatives like Canary Green, positioning the region as a leader in decarbonisation and the circular economy.
The assembly reviewed the 2025 budget, progress on the Canary Green project—focused on environmental sustainability—and strategised for participation in FITUR, a crucial platform for promoting Canary Islands tourism. The mayors noted that tourist spending is positively impacting the local economy, with 2024 seeing a 7% increase in both dining and leisure activities, and a 13% rise in shopping expenditures.
Arturo González, mayor of San Miguel de Abona, expressed satisfaction with joining the association, viewing it as a "very important step" in advocating for the municipality's tourism interests. He underscored the value of collaborating with other destinations to address common challenges in the sector.
The meeting concluded with a shared vision for 2025, reaffirming the members' dedication to innovation, sustainability, and promoting the Canary Islands as a premier destination.
The AMTC comprises Adeje, Antigua, Arona, Guía de Isora, La Oliva, Mogán, Pájara, Puerto de la Cruz, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Santiago del Teide, San Miguel de Abona, Teguise, Tías, and Yaiza. Established in 2016, the association respects the diversity and uniqueness of each destination, united in defending common interests characteristic of 'tourist municipalities'.