A group of owners in La Palma launches a digital platform to market tourist accommodations without international intermediaries. They aim for 100% of the reservation value to stay on the island.
A group of vacation home owners in La Palma has launched its own digital platform to market their accommodations without relying on large international agencies. The initiative, which presents itself as an alternative to Booking, Airbnb, and similar services, aims for the money from each reservation to remain entirely within the local economy.
The platform, named Alójate en La Palma, operates from the island and offers travellers the possibility to book directly with the owner. According to its promoters, the system eliminates commissions, promotional discounts, and collection costs that reduce the accommodation margin by up to 30% on traditional channels.
“We have been seeing how tourism grows in La Palma for years, but the real benefit that reaches the owner is getting smaller and smaller,” explains one of the promoters, who prefers to remain anonymous. “With this tool, control over pricing and margins returns to those who provide the service.”
The platform includes a reservation management system, integrated payment gateway, and customer service in Spanish and English. Owners can set their prices without imposed discounts and receive the full amount for the stay, deducting only a fixed maintenance fee of 5%.
The initiative has been welcomed with interest by the Cabildo of La Palma and the island's tourist municipalities. The island's Tourism Councillor, Juan Manuel Rodríguez, has stated that “any project that reinforces commercial sovereignty and local economic return deserves support.”
From the Association of Vacation Homes of La Palma, its president María del Carmen Hernández, has valued the proposal as “a step forward for small owners to compete on equal terms.” However, she has reminded that “the visibility provided by large platforms is still necessary, especially for destinations seeking to de-seasonalise.”
The platform already has around a hundred registered accommodations, spread across the municipalities of Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso, Santa Cruz de La Palma, and Breña Alta. Prices range from 60 to 150 euros per night, depending on the season and type of accommodation.
One of the project's strengths is fiscal transparency. All participating owners declare their income and pay taxes on the island, contributing to the taxable base of the territory. “It’s not just about avoiding commissions, but about ensuring that tourism generates real wealth in La Palma,” emphasises the promoter.
The initiative comes at a time when the island's tourism sector is seeking more sustainable and fair models. La Palma received over 300,000 tourists last year, but recent studies indicate that between 20% and 25% of tourist spending leaks through external intermediaries.
For travellers, the new platform offers direct contact with the host, detailed information about the accommodation, and the possibility of receiving personalised recommendations about the island. “We want visitors to feel welcomed by the community, not by a remote customer service centre,” adds the promoter.
The platform is financed through a 5% fee on each reservation, which covers technical maintenance costs and user support. The promoters hope to reach 500 accommodations in the first year and expand the offering to tourist experiences such as excursions, tastings of local products, or guided tours.
In the coming months, the team will develop a mobile application and a German version, the second largest source market for tourists to La Palma. They are also exploring the possibility of integrating a verified rating system to build trust among users.
The launch of Alójate en La Palma is an example of how technology can be used to strengthen the local economy instead of centralising it. Owners regain control over their business, travellers gain transparency, and the island retains a larger percentage of the tourism value.
You may also like
