British holidaymakers hit by tourist tax in Tenerife as Spanish hotspot announces date the levy will be introduced

Spain attracts more visitors than any other European country, but mass tourism in smaller destinations has caused unrest among locals in recent months.

To tackle the saturation of the travel sector, famous holiday hotspots in the Canary Islands have announced they will introduce a tourist tax.

From 2025, tourists will pay an undisclosed fee when visiting certain areas in Tenerife. On Friday, the Canary Islands council confirmed that the levy would be introduced on January 1.

The levy follows mass protests where thousands of locals chanted that overtourism is “killing the Canary Islands”.

The Canary Islands are fighting back against the oversaturation of tourism

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The latest wave of demonstrations broke out in Tenerife’s capital Santa Cruz, where more than 50,000 locals marched under the banner Canarias Tiene un límite “(The Canary Islands have a limit)”.

Thousands of protesters in Lanzarote and Gran Canaria marched against foreign visitors who are ‘eroding’ local culture.

Several major cities in Spain have already responded to growing tourism demand in recent months by imposing bans, fines and taxes.

Tenerife’s levy is described as an eco-tax and will be introduced on the island’s most protected areas. It is understood that tourists will not have to pay any fees upon arrival, but instead apply for visits to the island’s natural beauty spots.

These popular sights include Mount Teide volcano and other historic pueblos such as Masca. National parks will also introduce tourist tax.

Rosa Davila, Tenerife’s first female president, said: “We must analyze the exceptional circumstances that can be applied in an area as vulnerable and limited as ours. What is clear is that Tenerife cannot be a theme park.

“Those who visit us must appreciate and respect our natural and cultural wealth and resources, and they must be clear about the rules for their conservation.

“In addition, there must be boundaries to prevent tourism from overflowing.”

During last week’s protests, a spokesperson for the protest platform Canaria Se Agota told the media: “Today, April 20, is the tenth day of the hunger strike.

“Today we cannot forget these people who risked their lives for our planet. Their determination inspires, their courage moves us, their sacrifice reminds us that this fight belongs to everyone and for everyone.”

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Despite tourism making a significant contribution to the economy, it poses a seasonal challenge for smaller European destinations.

Authorities in Andalusia have joined calls for a tourist tax in the region to help cities pay for projects that would ease pressure on the travel sector.

Visitor taxes have become increasingly common in Spain in recent years, with Barcelona increasing the night charge in April 2023.

Catalonia and the Balearic Islands have also introduced a tourist tax, charging guests an extra €3.50 per day. The proceeds are used for sustainability projects.

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