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Date Published: 01/02/2024

Malaga decides against introducing tourist tax

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The Costa del Sol won’t implement the charge unless the regional government creates the proper legal framework

Malaga decides against introducing tourist tax

Brits and other holidaymakers can breathe a sigh of relief as Malaga City Council has confirmed that it will not be implementing a tourist tax in the foreseeable future. The mayor categorically ruled out introducing the tax until the regional government develops a proper legal framework that will apply to all areas, something it is slow to do because of the pushback from the tourism sector.

Barcelona and the Balearic Islands have followed in the footsteps of other major European cities by taxing visitors for overnight stays in hotels and Airbnbs. While this usually only amounts to around an extra euro per day, the industry believes the additional cost will put tourists off the Costa del Sol.

Those in favour of the tourist tax, such as the local governments in Sevilla and Granada, argue that the charge will actually attract more holidaymakers in the long run since the money could be used to promote the cities and improve facilities.

At a press conference this week, Minister of Tourism Arturo Bernal downplayed the prospect of introducing an autonomous umbrella to implement the tourist tax. He cited strong opposition from the tourism sector, stating that they "do not want to hear about the tourist tax". Bernal's comments suggest that the idea of creating a legal framework for the tax may be losing traction.

According to Bernal, the primary challenge facing municipalities is not directly related to tourism activity but rather stems from a lack of local financing, which he emphasised is a responsibility of the central government.

"The introduction of fees, taxes, and special charges only represent a temporary solution to a much larger problem that has to be resolved by the Government of Spain through the correct financing of local entities," he added.

Further reading: What is the tourist tax, how much is it and where in Spain do you have to pay it?

Image: Marek Ślusarczyk via Wikimedia Commons

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