The deputy spokesperson for the Gomera Socialist Group Parliamentary Group (ASG), Jesús Ramos, has defended that the tourism policy of the Canary Islands takes into account the differences and potential of each island, with specific promotion for La Gomera and the rest of the non-capital islands.
During the appearance of the Minister of Tourism and Employment in the Budget and Finance Committee of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, she assessed the items planned for rural tourism, training and employment, and announced two investment proposals to value Gomero heritage.
Ramos pointed out that the tourism budget is prepared in a scenario marked by the end of European funds from the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. Discounting personnel expenses, he indicated that the accounts grow by 2.14 million euros. He also expressed his concern about the possible increase in the cost of flights, which, he warned, could have an impact on both tourism and employment, given the importance of the sector for the Canary Islands economy.
The areas of Tourism, Planning, Training and Tourism Promotion, and Infrastructure, Sustainability and Tourism Quality will have 85.9 million euros, 2.43% more. Promotur will have 43 million for promotion. Ramos asked that this work be carried out together with councils and city councils and reflect the uniqueness of each territory. “We are eight islands and we are eight totally different realities,” he stated, and defended “guaranteeing differentiated promotion of each and every one of the islands.”
The deputy spokesperson for ASG in the Autonomous Chamber especially highlighted the tourism model of the Green Islands – La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma – and the need to diversify markets and increase spending by those who visit the Canary Islands. It also valued 23.4 million for tourist infrastructure, with new items for heritage beautification, camping areas, rural tourism and wine tourism. In his opinion, extending these investments to municipalities and rural centers can help boost their economies and encourage the population to remain there.
Ramos also highlighted the increase of 1.15 million for Hecansa and asked to adapt tourism training to the needs of each island and the companies. He linked this measure with the creation of stable employment and with the possibility that young people can train and develop their professional careers without having to leave the non-capital islands. “The lack of opportunities” should not force them to leave, he stressed.
Investments to disseminate Gomero heritage
In terms of employment, it valued the 351.5 million euros allocated to insertion policies, with attention to groups such as people over 45 years of age, those looking for their first job and people with disabilities. He also considered it relevant to reinforce occupational risk prevention and modernize conciliation services.
For La Gomera, Ramos announced that ASG will propose 300,000 euros for the interpretation center for the foreign grape in Vallehermoso and 500,000 euros for the interpretation center for the Silbo Gomero. He defended both actions as a way to highlight elements of the island's identity and turn them into attractions for those who visit the island.
The parliamentarian stated that ASG will work during the budget process so that tourism development generates job opportunities, respects the particularities of each territory and contributes to disseminating the heritage of La Gomera.
