The Canarian Holiday Rental Association (ASCAV) advocates for the implementation of a green tax in the Canary Islands. This levy would be imposed on “all tourist accommodation establishments situated in the Canary Islands,” with the funds being dedicated “completely to the promotion of public housing for Canarian families,” as stated by the president of the organisation, Doris Borrego, who spoke out amidst the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the regional regulation decree for holiday rentals and prior to the 20A demonstration against the development model.
Highlighting that ASCAV’s decision arises following a poll conducted among its members and aims to “provide solutions to Canarian families affected by the surge in housing costs on the Islands. Facilitating their access is crucial in such a confined area that has been grappling with the repercussions of tourism for some time,” she elaborated.
Borrego stresses that “81% of the members surveyed supported a green tax for all tourist establishments in the Islands, not solely those affiliated with holiday homes.” The green tax proposition “ensures assistance to the most vulnerable”, i.e., “as long as the proceeds are channelled to boost public housing for Canarian families and simplify access to housing.”
“The owners of holiday homes on the Islands also reside here, not on Mars. Those who distort the market and charge exorbitant rents must contribute towards the tax,” she asserted. Furthermore, she underscored that ASCAV “is dedicated to ensuring that tourism genuinely and directly benefits the entire Canarian community.”
Determination of the Levy
Based on the Association’s initial estimations, “The Canary Islands could generate up to 48 million Euros annually through a green tax set at 0.50 Euros per tourist per day staying in a tourist establishment in the Archipelago,” the leader disclosed.
The survey also queried about the implementation methodology of the green tax project and the fee establishments must remit. The organisation emphasises that “The Canary Islands is the only region in Spain where holiday homes are liable to pay the IGIC,” a criterion that was negotiated with the Government of the Canary Islands, contributing around 140 million Euros annually to the public treasury.
