The mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez, acknowledges that it creates “numerous issues”.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 30 September (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Tourism Commission of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) convened this Monday in a session held in Tenerife, urging for more “prominence” from local councils in the regulation of holiday rentals and in the formulation of a significant national housing agreement.
This was articulated during a press briefing by the mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and chair of the Tourism Commission, José Manuel Bermúdez, alongside vice president Martí Xabier March, the mayor of Pollença, who emphasised the “crucial” need for municipalities to be considered, as it is their jurisdictions where such laws and regulations apply.
The Santa Cruz mayor expressed gratitude for the participation of 50% of the Tourism Commission’s members and elaborated that a primary focus of their discussion was holiday rentals, which “produces numerous challenges across various municipalities.” He highlighted the disparities that arise, as in some cities, it may represent a viable opportunity, whereas in others, it poses a significant issue due to the impact on escalating rent or housing prices.
In this regard, he mentioned, “we have established a commission, composed exclusively of specialists, from around twenty local councils nationwide to examine the holiday rental issue from a municipal perspective.”
Furthermore, he noted that they had tackled additional subjects, such as projects initiated by the Ministry that specifically target local councils, including tourism quality and the promotion of tourism in municipalities with historical districts or spa towns, since many local councils face “implementation difficulties due to timelines and complex procedures.”
Vice president of the FEMP Tourism Commission, Martí, also expressed the importance of having a “diverse and inclusive outlook on reality.”
He added, “holiday tourism is a concern for autonomous communities, local councils, and civil society at large,” thus it should be assessed based on various “factors,” with a “crucial” factor being its impact on housing rights.
“Regulating it clearly and effectively seems essential to me, to combat illegal holiday tourism while fostering coexistence between residents and visitors,” he remarked.
“SIGNIFICANT OVERCROWDING”
He further clarified that “it is evident that certain autonomous communities are already experiencing substantial overcrowding and rising discontent. To genuinely alleviate this discontent, the regulation of this urban use must uphold housing rights for all, which undoubtedly relates to the Ministry of Housing.”
In this context, he remarked on the importance of “a national housing agreement involving both private entities and public administrations, as it is a pivotal element that allows tourism to be experienced as a generator of economic growth and a facilitator of social cohesion.”
Lastly, the mayor acknowledged the presence at the meeting of Turespaña’s general director, Miguel Sanz, who briefed attendees on activities undertaken across Spain and how local councils might benefit from these initiatives, as, at times, they may perceive them as “too distant.”
In conclusion, he indicated that, “regardless, this perspective is encouraging because there is a growing awareness that local councils can leverage.”
