The PSOE party has officially submitted a bill to the Parliament of the Canary Islands proposing a new tourist tax on overnight stays in the archipelago, which will not apply to residents. The tax would range between €1 and €3.50 per person per day, with the potential to generate around €250 million in revenue annually.
Sebastián Franquis, the spokesperson for the Socialist parliamentary group, explained in a press conference that the bill aims to promote sustainable tourism and is a step toward wealth redistribution. He noted that the Canary Islands Government has not introduced any measures in this direction over the past year and a half, underscoring the need for action.
Franquis also connected this initiative to growing discussions within Canarian society about sustainability, referencing a demonstration on 20 April. He described the protests as evidence of a public desire for controlled, sustainable growth and a preference for refurbishing existing facilities over new construction projects.
The PSOE argues that the tax is crucial, given that the current rate of tourism growth is unsustainable. Franquis highlighted that the Canary Islands currently offer approximately 500,000 accommodation places, a figure expected to rise to around 700,000 within a few years, potentially welcoming up to 22 million tourists annually. Such numbers, he warned, would strain resources and challenge infrastructure capacities.
The tax will be exempt for residents, who already contribute through local taxes to the upkeep of infrastructure and services. The PSOE envisions using the revenue from the tax to fund Promotur, the tourism promotion agency, broadening its mandate to include initiatives that improve social and labour conditions, such as supporting the acquisition of elevated beds for workers in the tourism sector.
A significant portion of the funds would also be allocated to infrastructure improvements unrelated to tourism, such as road and waterworks projects. Franquis emphasised that this move could aid the sustainable development of the islands while addressing existing social challenges.
The proposed tax amount, which could range from €1 to €3.50 per person per day, will depend on the accommodation’s category and could be determined by local councils through a plenary vote.
Franquis concluded by stressing that now is the time for action, calling on the government to move beyond mere declarations. He invited input from other parliamentary groups, encouraging an open debate on the proposal to ensure it meets the islands’ sustainability goals.
