The recent participation of Activa Canarias in FITUR, one of the most important tourism fairs worldwide, has highlighted the growing role of Active Tourism and Ecotourism in the Canary Islands. This sector, made up of approximately 1,200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stands out not only for its contribution to the local economy, but also for its commitment to sustainability and diversification of the tourism offer.
For several years, the Canary Islands have led the ranking of autonomous communities with the highest number of companies dedicated to this field, reflecting a significant change in the archipelago’s tourism model. In the words of José Luis Echevarría, president of Activa Canarias, “Active Tourism and Ecotourism no longer need to be explained to administrations and other operators in the sector, as tourists themselves are now demanding it.”
The data is clear: the sector generates more than 3,500 direct jobs and has reached an annual turnover of 125 million euros. Echevarría emphasized the need for a more sustainable tourism model, seeking higher expenditure at the destination and reducing the number of arrivals, highlighting the benefits of a more responsible and quality tourism. “Most of the jobs created are permanent and SMEs are expanding their workforce due to the growing demand,” he added.
During FITUR, the Active Tourism sector organized several meetings to promote its initiatives and strengthen collaboration between different regions. The Board of Directors of ANETAE, which brings together companies in the sector, visited the stands of various communities to support their Canary partners and held meetings with regional associations, highlighting synergies with tourism models from other regions such as Valencia and Aragon.
The presence of Activa Canarias at this prestigious fair reflects a clear commitment to the future of tourism in the islands, where ecotourism and respect for the environment stand as fundamental pillars to attract an increasingly demanding and conscious audience.
via: MiMub in Spanish
