Motion to introduce tourist tax voted down in Canarian parliament

A Socialist motion to introduce a tourist tax has been voted down in the Canarian parliament.

The Socialists opposed the introduction of a tourist tax when in power from 2019 to 2023, claiming that “it was not the right time” owing to the need to recover from the Covid pandemic. However, now that the recovery has taken place and the islands are receiving record numbers of tourists, the party has changed its position on such a tax.   

Socialist tax spokesperson Manuel Hernández said. “Either we redistribute wealth, or we will continue to build a paradise for the few on the backs of the many.”

Hernández claimed that the Canary Islands received almost 18 million tourists in 2024 brought a turnover of €24 billion, 50% more than in 2019, and pointed out that the revenue per available hotel room reached €134.75 per night in February 2025, a 55.1% increase over the last four years.

Nevertheless, the motion was defeated by the Coalición Canaria and Partido Popular parties which form the ruling group in the Canarian Government, and smaller parties which support them.