The Canary Islands government announced that it will roll out a voluntary visitor contribution programme, called RegNext, to fund environmental and community projects across the archipelago.
Voluntary contributions replace proposed tourist tax
After months of speculation about a mandatory levy on tourists, officials confirmed that the scheme will be optional. Instead of adding a charge to hotel bills or airline tickets, the program invites travelers to make donations online when they book trips to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.
The plan aims to harness tourism revenue without imposing a compulsory tax, a route that sets the Canary Islands apart from other Spanish and European destinations that have introduced mandatory visitor fees.
According to the regional government, the funds will be earmarked for projects such as habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, emissions reduction, climate‑resilience measures, area improvements and community‑focused programmes like affordable housing.
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How the RegNext fund will operate
Canary Islands Tourism said the initial phase will select five pilot projects—one on each of the islands with the highest tourism pressure—and a cross‑cutting social project that spans the whole archipelago. The commission overseeing the fund will create a “voluntary, traceable, and transparent financing system” to allocate resources directly to regeneration efforts.
Travelers who choose to contribute will be able to track how their money is used, with the government promising full transparency on the environmental and social impact of each project. Major operators such as easyJet holidays, Jet2.com, Jet2holidays and TUI have already pledged support, integrating donation prompts into their booking platforms.
Jessica de León, the Canary Islands minister of tourism, said RegNext “has been created to make tourism an active force for environmental and social regeneration.” She added that voluntary contributions from visitors, businesses and climate foundations would help reinvest part of tourism’s value into restoring ecosystems and strengthening local communities.
The scheme arrives after the islands recorded a historic 18.39 million visitors last year, a figure that highlights tourism’s economic importance while also increasing pressure on natural areas and public services. Residents have taken to the streets in recent years, demanding a more sustainable model, affordable housing and stricter visitor limits.
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Participation rates will determine whether the fund can meet its ambitious goals. If contributions stay low, the programme could fall short, leaving the islands to rely on existing public budgets. Conversely, strong backing from travel firms and growing tourist awareness could make RegNext a template for other regions seeking to balance visitor numbers with environmental stewardship.
Officials stress that the scheme is not a tax increase but a choice for travelers who wish to support the destination they visit.
Local authorities hope the voluntary approach will encourage responsible tourism while preserving the natural and cultural assets that draw millions of visitors each year.
By providing an optional, trackable way to give back, RegNext could become a model for other popular destinations.
