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Spain’s tourism sector, which brings in billions and supports millions of jobs, has become the new battleground between the central government and the local councils. Just a couple of weeks after President Pedro Sánchez unveiled the Spanish Tourism Strategy 2030, twelve regions representing three quarters of the industry have signed the Sevilla Declaration, making it clear they are not happy.

 

In a nutshell, the Sevilla Declaration rejects what the text scathingly describes as the “criminalisation” of tourism.

 

Detractors have expressed their concerns that the government has sidelined the regional governments in key decisions and have argued that tourism is being unfairly blamed for issues like the housing crisis. In their view, tourism is a force for jobs and local growth, not the cause of the country’s problems.

 

The Sevilla Declaration highlights a breakdown in communication between the central government and regional authorities. The regions have argued that measures such as the Single Registry of Tourist Accommodations are creating unnecessary bureaucracy and stepping on their powers. They have also said linking tourism to the housing shortage is a mistake and that proper regional oversight of tourist rentals actually helps cities thrive.

 

The twelve signatory regions, which include Andalucia, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Galicia, the Basque Country, Madrid, the Region of Murcia, Aragon, Asturias, and Cantabria, as well as Ceuta, have made it clear that they want a more collaborative approach.

 

They have called for a framework that respects their control over tourism and planning and ensures that they have a say in decisions that affect their economies. They have pointed out that tourism accounts for more than 12% of GDP and over 13% of employment, and that any policy that ignores regional input risks damaging the sector.

 

The Sevilla Declaration comes as the government is pushing its strategy to make Spain a leader in sustainable tourism, focusing on climate action and digital innovation. But the regions have argued that a centralist and overly punitive approach could backfire, potentially putting the country’s tourism boom at risk.

 

The next big opportunity for dialogue will be at the World Travel Market in London in early November, where both government and regional leaders are expected to discuss the future of domestic tourism.

 

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