Tourist Influx Triggers Crisis at Teide National Park

Environmentalists are sounding alarms over the escalating crisis at Teide National Park in Tenerife, exacerbated by an overwhelming influx of tourists. Recent video footage circulating on social media starkly illustrates the chaos, showing severe traffic congestion, overcrowding, and troubling behaviour among visitors.

The images reveal numerous cars parked haphazardly, individuals urinating in public spaces, and tourists posing in dangerous spots on the road, endangering both themselves and passing drivers. These scenes echo similar disturbances observed on August 15, 2023, a national holiday, which has prompted a strong response from local environmental groups.

Environmental Concerns Intensify

The Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature (ATAN) has publicly condemned the current state of affairs, releasing a video that criticizes the ongoing turmoil attributed to mass tourism at this natural site. According to reports from Canarian Weekly, the group has called for urgent action from authorities to address these issues, warning that without intervention, “Teide will become nothing more than a theme park.”

This sentiment reflects the concerns previously voiced by Cabildo President Rosa Dávila, who, in May, stated, “Teide is not a backdrop for political battles, nor a theme park, nor a protest ground, but a natural sanctuary that deserves respect and protection.” Despite her statements, ATAN argues that the reality on the ground shows little has changed, with the fragile ecosystem facing increasing pressure from continuous visitor activity.

Witnesses have reported scenarios involving off-road safari companies arriving in convoys of up to a dozen vehicles, while motorbike and quad bike groups have been seen racing through the park, disrupting the peace that the area is meant to maintain.

Efforts to Control Visitor Access

In response to these escalating issues, the Cabildo has announced new regulations aimed at restricting private vehicle access to the national park. These measures will reserve access for buses and coaches during specific times of the day, as part of a broader effort to control the number of visitors.

José Miguel Ruano of the Tenerife Cabildo clarified that the changes do not constitute a complete ban on private vehicles. He explained, “There will be specific time slots when all mobility will take place by bus, and others when this will not be the case.”

The upcoming regulations are part of a new Master Plan for Use and Management that local politicians are finalizing. This plan aims not only to manage visitor numbers but also to safeguard traditional practices, including beekeeping, and enhance access for cyclists.

As the situation at Teide National Park continues to evolve, the need for effective management strategies becomes increasingly crucial to protect this natural treasure from the adverse effects of mass tourism.