British holidaymakers visiting the Canary Island of Fuerteventura will be slapped with a new tourist tax.
The island’s government has confirmed it will introduce the charge for the spectacular wild beach of Cofete, the breath-taking sand dues of Correlejo and the enormous sea caves of Ajuy.
Fuerteventura’s president, Lola Garcia said the collection of the tourist tax was necessary to raise money for the maintenance of the natural spaces visited by hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers each year.
Authorities are following the example of Tenerife which has already started to charge visitors to the mountain-top village of Masca and intends to do the same with Mount Teide.
Lola Garcia said a tourist tax in these specific locations was justified given the huge debate on mass tourism.
“It is time to stop, reflect and mark the exact lines of where we want to grow in tourism, not so much to count the number of visitors but to look towards sustainable tourism that respects our environment,” she said.
“The landscape and natural spaces must be protected, in addition to the fact that public institutions must listen to the citizens who, recently, expressed it in the street” through the rallies throughout the Canary Islands.”
At the same time, the city council of La Oliva announced that it is taking the first step towards implementing their own tourist tax.
The council has commissioned a feasibility study to examine the economic impact of such a measure.
The income raised from the tax will go towards improving public services and protecting the natural environment.
La Oliva is in the north of the island and is again a hotspot for tourists due to its historical legacy.
The mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, said the intention of the city was to start a serious debate about the issue and “to have all the necessary information to make a responsible decision.”
She added: “If we manage to implement a balanced and fair tourist tax, we will be taking an important step towards a more balanced and supportive model.”
The charge would be set at a low rate, according to councillor, David Fajardo.
“It would not involve a significant cost for the visitor, but it would allow reinforcing services such as cleaning, environmental conservation or maintenance of public spaces,” he said.
“It is not a collection measure but a tool that aims that each tourist who stays overnight in La Oliva contributes to the improvement and maintenance of our territory.”
