A key destination in Gran Canaria, has launched a controversial tourist tax. The new tax is the very first of its kind to be introduced at a municipal level across both the Canary Islands and Spain.
Starting in 2025, guests staying at any accommodations in Mogan, including hotels, flats, and holiday homes, will be impacted by this new tax. The tax will be imposed on Canary Islands residents who choose to stay in these accommodations as well.
Mogan is recognised as one of the archipelago's premier vacation spots and the newly announced tax will contribute to fostering sustainable tourism practices, reports the Mirror.
Mogan's mayor, Onalia Bueno, disclosed details of the tax during a media briefing on Thursday, December 5. In contrast to other taxes implemented in regions like Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Galicia's impending tax, Mogan's take on the levy will engage funds solely for enhancing tourism-focused sectors within the local area.
According to reporting by Canarian Weekly, visitors and Canary Islands inhabitants alike will need to shell out a nominal fee of 0.15 cents (£0.12) per day for stays within the municipality. Mayor Bueno explained that this daily charge may be subject to annual adjustments, mirroring the community council's investment strategies to improve overall visitor experiences.
"This tax for the provision of services and activities related to tourism and sustainability obligations" epitomises Mogan's dedication to preserving its standing as a prime travel spot, Bueno said.
A universal tax will be imposed on all forms of accommodation, including holiday rentals, on Gran Canaria, impacting both tourists and residents. Other islands in the Canary group have also begun introducing charges at some of their most frequented tourist sites as part of a new tourism strategy set to commence on January 1, 2025.
This action is a response to local uproar over mass tourism that has escalated over the past year, with tens of thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets since spring, calling for the local government to restrict visitor numbers. The newly introduced fee, dubbed an 'eco-tax', will be mandatory for all visitors to the island, although the precise amount is yet to be disclosed by local authorities.
Numerous popular tourist destinations are anticipated to implement the charge, including Tenerife's renowned volcano, Mount Teide. At present, trekkers must apply for a free permit to hike on the volcano, with only 200 permits available per day online.
Local officials are also contemplating imposing a tourist tax on anyone wishing to visit one of Gran Canaria's most celebrated natural attractions: Roque Nublo. Protesters argue that the current mass tourism model is unsustainable and inflicting significant environmental harm. They also said that the boom in holiday flats is pushing locals out of the property rental market due to soaring prices.
The Canary Islands saw an impressive 16 million tourists in 2023, a number that's expected to be surpassed this year. Tourism is a crucial part of the local economy, with visitors spending a whopping €20 billion (£16.6 billion) just last year.
Overall, tourism contributes to 35 per cent of the Canary Islands' GDP and accounts for 40 per cent of jobs.
