Spain's tourist tax hike ignites business opposition

Spain's business community is reacting strongly against the government's new tourist tax. Employers associations are voicing their concerns after a recent meeting with government officials. The new rules will affect about 90 million visitors in 2025, with British tourists being the largest group. Many locals are unhappy about tourism, citing problems like overcrowding and a housing crisis in popular areas. Protests are rising in cities like Barcelona and Tenerife as local authorities impose stricter regulations. In the Balearic Islands, tourist charges may increase significantly. For instance, charges for cruise ship passengers will rise by 200%, from £1.68 to £5.04 per person per night. Barcelona plans to double its tourist tax by the end of 2025, potentially reaching £12.40 per person per night based on accommodation quality. New beach rules in Gran Canaria will penalize behaviors like playing music or reserving sunbeds with fines up to £2,500 starting in March 2025. Majorca's town of Sóller has imposed a "residents only" policy, limiting car access in its center to locals. During the recent meeting, tourism leaders reiterated their total opposition to the new measures, especially the increase in hotel charges. They requested an economic report to assess the potential negative effects on Catalonia's tourism sector before moving forward with these policies. The government aims to ensure the destination remains competitive and to improve dialogue with the tourism industry.