New rules make winter holidays in Spain tougher for UK tourists

In December 2023, the municipality of Mogán in Gran Canaria, Spain, revealed plans to implement a tourist tax from 2025, marking a significant shift in how holidaymakers will be charged. This groundbreaking move makes Mogán the first municipality in Spain and the Canary Islands to initiate such a tax at a local level. The tax is aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and is set at a daily rate of 0.15 euros per person for all accommodations, which include hotels, apartments, and holiday rentals. The funds collected will be exclusively dedicated to enhancing tourism-related services and infrastructure within the municipality, reflecting Mogán's commitment to maintaining its status as a sought-after vacation destination. The announcement was made by Mogán's Mayor Onalia Bueno, who emphasized the importance of this initiative in light of increasing concerns over the environmental impacts of mass tourism. The mayor highlighted that as tourism has dramatically surged in recent years, contributing significantly to the local economy, it has also prompted residents to express their frustrations over the unsustainable growth and its consequences on the islands' natural resources and quality of life. Proponents of the tax believe it will help offset some of these negative effects while supporting local tourism management. Local businesses and hoteliers have had mixed reactions to the proposed tax. While some acknowledge the necessity for sustainable tourism practices, others worry about its potential negative impact on visitor numbers. Mogán's approach contrasts with that of other popular Spanish regions, such as the Balearic Islands and Catalonia, which have already established similar tourist taxes to fund local improvements. It is essential to note that this move comes amid a broader pattern of discontent among locals in tourist-heavy areas, who have been advocating for better regulations to manage visitor inflow. Protests against overcrowding and rising costs related to tourism have become increasingly common across Spain, reflecting a growing awareness of the challenges posed by an unsustainable tourism model. As Spain continues to grapple with its identity as a popular tourist destination, this new tax could set a precedent for other municipalities, leading them to explore similar measures in their efforts to maintain a balance between economic benefit and the preservation of local communities. Overall, Mogán aims to create a framework for sustainable tourism that prioritizes the needs of both visitors and residents, acknowledging that ensuring the long-term viability of the industry requires more than just appealing to tourists' desires.