Tourist green tax still open for debate

Canarian President Fernando Clavijo has stated that he has not ruled out the introduction of a tourist green tax.

Clavijo, of the Coalición Canaria, made the declarations despite the assurance of his coalition partner vice-President Manuel Domínguez (PP) on Friday that “there will be no tourist green tax.”

Clavijo announced a meeting between the national and regional presidents on 30^th April and said “A green tax has not been part of our plans, but we’re willing to talk with the Spanish government about any issues.”

Recent concern about the effects of increased tourist numbers in the Canaries has caused renewed calls for a sustainable tourism tax in the Canaries. It is likely that any such tax would follow the model of the charge that has been operating in the Balearics since 2016, and which raises around €120 million each year.

In the Balearics, the tax ranges from €1 to €4 a day for every tourist over the age of 16, depending on the class of accommodation.