Last week, politicians in Valencia spent 10 hours debating the introduction of a tourist tax in the regions’s hotels.
The controversial potential tourist tax divided opinion across Valencia’s local government. The Valencia region includes the popular British tourist resorts of Alicante and the Costa Blanca.
Two of the region’s left-wing parties – Compromís and Unidas Podemos – are leading support for the tourist tax.
As yet, no details are available on the proposed tax. However, could be similar to the tax paid in many European countries, such as Italy. They range between one and five euros per night.
Region-wide or ad-hoc basis?
The governing socialist party in the region, PSPV, said it will consider introducing a tourist tax. However, it is not in support of a tax across the whole Valencian region.
Vice-General Secretary, Manolo Mata, said he was waiting for a “concrete proposal” on the tax.
Mata said he would not support imposing an overnight tax but would support a tourist tax being introduced on a case-by-case basis.
Opposition parties urged the Government to focus on other issues. They warned the tourism industry in the region is already struggling.
Other politicians argued: “Enough taxes are already paid elsewhere.”
Tax could deter returning tourists
A big concern is that the tax could put of returning tourists, at a time when tourism is starting to recover.
The Valencia region as a whole saw a drop in tourism as a result of the pandemic.
However, visitor numbers have been steadily increasing as travel restrictions lift. In September, the region’s hotel association reported an average 70% capacity.
