The association of professionals and enterprises operating in natural areas in Tenerife (AOENTE) has cautioned this Saturday that banning buses in Anaga might lead to an increase in private vehicles in the region, which could exacerbate mobility issues and compromise sustainability.
The business representatives, in a statement, have responded to the announcement made by the Cabildo of Tenerife that, from January 2025, access for large tourist buses to the Anaga Massif will be prohibited in order to “respond to the thousands of neighbours and visitors” of the specified areas.
The association has conveyed its astonishment at the potential restriction of bus access and, therefore, has requested a meeting with the president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, to confirm this information, understand the precise implications of such a decision, and to propose various options and necessities that consider the resident population and those wishing to explore and appreciate these locations on the island.
AOENTE has reminded that tourism serves as the primary economic engine for these regions and that the flow of visitors, when managed responsibly, is a “vital source of employment and growth” in Anaga.
“The tourist bus contributes to reducing the number of private vehicles in the vicinity, which lessens the ecological footprint and alleviates congestion on access routes,” it stated.
Furthermore, it has suggested alternative measures such as traffic signals to manage vehicle flow and prevent congestion, as well as implementing a reservation or permit scheme for tour operators that ensures a balance between access and environmental conservation.
Additionally, it proposes that access for buses should be determined by their capacity and occupancy, prioritising the most efficient vehicles, designated parking areas, and, if considered necessary, limiting visiting hours to manage and prevent an overload of visitors.
