A judge in the Canary Islands has blocked the archipelago’s first tourist tax just one day after it was introduced.
Authorities in Mogán, one of Gran Canaria’s most popular holiday destinations, agreed to impose the fee, which is set at €0.15 (£0.13) per person, per day, for those staying in hotels, holiday homes and other tourist accommodation.
Mogán City Council said the profits would be exclusively used to finance activities, services or infrastructure in the popular tourist area, as well as promote tourism in the municipality.
But according to Canarian Weekly, the Canary Islands High Court of Justice (TSJC) ruled against the tax on Wednesday 12 March – just one day after it was introduced – arguing that it was “poorly written” and “confusing”.
Judge Francisco José Gómez de Lorenzo-Cáceres stated that the tax created “an inappropriate and disproportionate burden” and should have been regulated by a formal law.
The backlash also follows complaints from the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism who claimed the tax would result in excessive administrative complications.
Authorities in Mogán, which is 93 kilometres outside the capital city of Las Palmas, approved the tax on 28 February.
The tax will now remain suspended until the TSJC reviews the council’s arguments, which Mogán plans to submit following official notification from the court.
A spokesperson for Mogán City Council confirmed the authority’s intention to appeal.
“In view of the precautionary suspension of the Fiscal Ordinance Regulating the Fee for Services and Activities Derived from Tourism Activities and the Sustainability Obligation, the Mogán City Council is awaiting the formal ruling of the Canary Islands High Court of Justice, which it learned of through the media.
“The Mogán City Council has always been aware that this circumstance could occur, and therefore, when the local government is duly notified, it will appear before a judge or court within three days to defend the aforementioned ordinance and to ensure that the precautionary suspension measures can be lifted.”
The Independent has contacted Mogán City Council for further information.
Mogán is the latest tourist destination to consider a tourist levy amidst growing concerns about the environmental and social impact of mass tourism in the region.
It follows Venice, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Mallorca, Ibiza and Dubrovnik, who have all introduced a tourist tax in a bid to combat the effects of overtourism.
Ryanair flight makes emergency stop in France after medical emergency
Brighton Pier boss warns city needs more tourists, as admission fee doubles
Tourist tax for Ibiza and Mallorca to rise by up to 200 per cent in peak season
Norwegian takes delivery of first $850 million Prima Plus Class cruise ship
American Airlines plane catches fire on runway as passengers flee via the wing
Vintage London buses will be free to ride for one day only in March
