Illegal letting prosecution figures announced

[Janet]

Since the government announced that it had 7,000 procedures on the go against illegal letting there has been speculation about what this figure comprised. Some thought it was inspections, others actual fines, and some others had a range of different ideas. Now the government has confirmed the numbers of actual legal actions taken against illegal touristic establishments. In 2011, 2,600 cases were initiated, followed in the first six months of 2012 by between 1,300 and 1,500, with a further 600 in process, a total of between 4,500 and 4,700.

The minister did not have specific figures to hand for the period since July this year, but confirmed those up to June in a press conference given by viceconsejero de Turismo del Gobierno de Canarias, Ricardo Fernández de la Puente, who reaffirmed the Government's commitment to the whole touristic sector playing by the same rules. The minister said that much time and effort is being put into pursuing the illegal offer in the islands since this disadvantages not just businesses that are operating legally, but also the image of the Canaries as a touristic destination.

During the press conference, Ricardo FPA confirmed that the new Ley de Renovación y Modernización Turística has been presented to the Canarian Parliament today. JA

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

Is this just Canaries, and Canary-wide? 

[Janet]

Yes. The campaign is a Canarian Government one, and so the figures are Canaries-wide. Tenerife is the largest percentage, though, simply by numbers of available touristic accommodation (whether illegal or not).