Crisis in Canary Islands as mountains of rubbish in Tenerife spark tourism fears

Locals in Tenerife are growing increasingly worried about mountains of rubbish and growing signs of neglect at one of the island's airports. They argue that this is both a health hazard and also damages the first impression for tourists visiting the popular Spanish island. Business groups and tourism associations on the Canary Islands have raised concerns about mounting rubbish and the deteriorating state of gardens and planted areas on the approach to Tenerife South Airport, which handled nearly 14 million passengers last year.

The problem stems from the lack of a maintenance contract. Earlier this year, AENA, the Spanish airport authority, terminated its agreement with the company responsible for gardening, maintaining, and clearing the outdoor areas. A new tender was issued in May, however, no companies applied for it, leaving no one in charge of upkeep. The Centro de Iniciativas Turísticas del Sur de Tenerife (CIT Sur) has expressed "deep concern" about the abandoned state of the airport's green areas, warning that the accumulation of waste and neglected areas is creating an unsanitary environment, unacceptable for an international airport.

"This image, perceived by thousands of travellers, tourists and residents alike, is disgraceful," CIT Sur said in a statement. "It damages both the perception of quality and the sense of hospitality that Tenerife must uphold as a leading tourist destination."

Meanwhile, the Círculo de Empresarios del Sur de Tenerife (CEST) echoed this frustration, criticising what it described as AENA passivity.

"What should be the calling card of our tourist destination has become an area of dirt and abandonment, even denounced by tourists themselves on social media with photos and comments that shame us as an island," it said. CEST has urged AENA to act immediately, warning that Tenerife's airports cannot be allowed to project a "third-world image" that undermines the island's reputation and visitor experience.

CIT Sur also noted that Spain's Public Sector Contracts Law provides emergency mechanisms that allow authorities in Tenerife to act swiftly while awaiting a permanent solution. Its president, Rafael Dolado, said: "It is not necessary to wait until the situation worsens when the law already provides mechanisms to act immediately. This case fully justifies their application."

Tenerife South Airport is the second busiest airport on the island, after Tenerife North, and the fifth busiest in the Canary Islands. Last year, it handled 13.7 million passengers - an 11% increase compared to 2023.

Earlier this summer, British tourists were advised to keep on the lookout for "illegal transport services" operating at Tenerife South. A growing number of people are offering private taxi services, offering unlicensed vehicle rentals between private individuals and the improper use of campervans, among other unauthorised activities, which, Granadilla de Abona Town Hall said, undermines the taxi industry and regulated transport operators.

The Express contacted AENA for comment, who said: "The service is expected to be awarded in early September. Once all the necessary procedures have been completed, the new company will begin operations.

"In the meantime, and with the aim of ensuring safety conditions for both people and operations at Tenerife South Airport, a minor contract has been put out to tender to carry out specific cleaning interventions in specific areas where the need has been identified, until the new contract is implemented."