The Southern Tenerife Entrepreneurs and Professionals Circle (CEST) publicly opposed the proposed widespread visitor levy put forward by various public officials in the Archipelago. The association believes that such taxes “do not serve the Canarian society in any meaningful way,” and therefore, they are against lodging establishments being tasked with collecting them.
CEST President, Javier Cabrera, stated that the association’s stance on this measure has always been consistent whenever it has been suggested: “Based on data from the implementation of eco-taxes in other global destinations, we have consistently found no real benefit for the general population, as the allocation of these collected funds remains unclear.”
He also expressed concern that “accommodation providers could face uncomfortable situations with guests who, after booking and paying, are then unexpectedly charged an additional amount.”
He further lamented the resurgence of discussions around implementing this measure, fearing it is merely “an attempt to appease an unsettled population without offering concrete solutions.”
Additionally, the association’s board of directors asserted that “directly, the eco-tax serves no purpose” and highlighted that “the government lacks the capability to fully execute its budget or manage European funds, meaning the taxes collected would not effectively address the issues affecting Canarian society.”
FEE STRUCTURE FOR SERVICES
On a different note, the Southern Business Owners Circle expressed a willingness to “consider” the potential application of fees for specific services, such as entry to natural areas. This approach aims not just to regulate access but also to cover the costs associated with their upkeep through these contributions.
“The revenue generated from admission fees to protected areas should be reinvested into maintaining services, controlling access, and preventing incidents like an influx of campers in these regions,” emphasized the president of the southern business association.
“Implementing a tax on tourists would be counterproductive if it leads to a decline in visitors to our region,” Javier Cabrera pointed out, underscoring the vital role of tourism in the Canary Islands economy, contributing 37% to the Gross Domestic Product.
