‘We are excited about the future of Teguise’
Improving transport and connectivity, promoting culture and sport, a year-round calendar of events, focusing on quality over quantity, and protecting the environment while looking after residents. These are the immediate priorities for Councillor Rita Hernández, who believes that ‘a happy place to live is the best place to visit.’
Teguise has four key areas: La Villa, Costa Teguise, Famara, and La Graciosa. Is improving the connection between them a major priority for the Tourism Department?
Absolutely. Connecting these four areas is not just a necessity; it is the cornerstone of our tourism strategy. Our goal is to create experiences that encourage visitors to explore all that Teguise has to offer. This involves improving transport links, developing attractive routes, and promoting curated experiences that showcase the municipality’s diverse culture and character.
Over the past decade, Costa Teguise has lost several internationally renowned sporting events, such as the PWA Windsurfing and the European Surfing Championships in Famara. Are efforts being made to bring them back or replace them?
Indeed. These events brought prestige and attracted a specific type of tourism. But we are currently in talks with organisers to reinstate events that align with our natural assets and infrastructure.
We’re also exploring new events that highlight the diversity of our surroundings. These could include trail running, cycling, and open-water swimming, for example. The goal is to build a strong sports tourism calendar that attracts both athletes and spectators, while highlighting our commitment to active, healthy lifestyles.
What role does culture play in promoting tourism in Teguise?
Culture and heritage lie at the very heart of Teguise’s tourism strategy. As the island’s former capital, La Villa is a living museum, where history comes alive through authentic and one-of-a-kind experiences. We aim to attract discerning travellers in search of something truly unique, while promoting tourism that respects, celebrates, and preserves the local community and its traditions.
What are your short-term plans?
A key area is to improve the visitor experience in La Villa, our main attraction. This includes enhancing accessibility, revitalising public spaces, developing new cultural routes, and promoting our museums, art galleries, and the iconic Sunday market.
We are also developing a more robust and diverse year- round calendar of cultural events, including music festivals, art exhibitions, traditional craft fairs, and gastronomic events. Additionally, we’re investing in digital platforms to tell the story of Teguise’s rich culture, making it more accessible and appealing to a global audience.
In certain sectors, overcrowding is seen as ‘dying of success’. In others, it is seen as the result of overly focused or imbalanced planning, leading to a perceived loss of quality. How does this apply to Costa Teguise, Famara and La Graciosa?
The concept of ‘dying from success’, or ‘overtourism’, is one we take very seriously. We actively manage the influx of visitors, prioritising quality over quantity.
In Costa Teguise, the focus is on sustainable growth, high-quality experiences, and ongoing investment in infrastructure, services, and environmental protection. In Famara, we aim to preserve its wild character through responsible tourism and activities that respect the landscape, while supporting local businesses. La Graciosa is a special case: we monitor visitor numbers closely to maintain its tranquillity, working towards complete preservation.
What’s on the cards for Teguise tourism in the future?
We are excited about the future of Teguise. We are currently laying the groundwork for Costa Teguise to have the infrastructure it deserves in the near future. This will include new parks, well-maintained pavements, beautiful gardens, footpaths, restored windmills, and renovated beaches. Our goal is to ensure Teguise remains an incredible destination, offering experiences as diverse as they are unforgettable.
