Canary Islands boost wine tourism while demanding fair wages amid hotel boom

Cajasiete, the Canary Islands' public financial institution, and the Enotourism Cluster of the archipelago have signed a cooperation agreement to develop wine‑related tourism. The pact, signed by Cajasiete director‑general Luis Alberto Díaz Dorta and cluster manager Hernán Tejera Oval, aims to diversify the islands’ economy, create rural jobs, and promote the region’s cultural identity through vineyard tours, tastings and related events. Díaz Dorta said, “Enoturismo representa una oportunidad para generar nuevas dinámicas de crecimiento sostenible, fortalecer el medio rural y proyectar la singularidad de Canarias”.

At the same time, the political coalition Nueva Canarias has warned that the surge in tourist revenue on Lanzarote is not translating into better living standards for residents. Candidate for the island council presidency Yoné Caraballo highlighted rising housing costs and stagnant wages, stating, “Los trabajadores que sostienen nuestra principal industria no pueden ser los grandes olvidados”. The party proposes a “Pacto Insular por el Salario Digno” linking public tourism aid to higher wages, permanent contracts and professional training, seeking to ensure that the tourism boom benefits local workers.

Both initiatives reflect growing pressure on the Canary Islands to balance economic growth from tourism with social equity and cultural preservation.