Yahoo News Gran Canaria to introduce new tourist tax as it follows in Tenerife's footsteps
UK tourists visiting Gran Canaria may soon have to pay a new charge as the island plans to introduce a tourist tax, following Tenerife's recent decision to do the same. The proposed fee would apply to visitors entering one of the island's most stunning natural attractions - the Roque Nublo, reports Birmingham Live.
A study is currently underway to assess the potential impact and viability of the scheme, with results expected in two months. Antonio Morales, head of the Gran Canaria local authority, explained that the move is part of a broader strategy to protect the island's natural spaces from environmental harm, including the Maspalomas Sand Dunes and the Bandama Caldera.
One proposal under consideration involves transporting visitors via shuttle buses from Tejeda to the Roque Nublo, thereby reducing car traffic.
Read more: UK Foreign Office issues warning for Brits going on holiday to Cyprus
Despite previous statements to the contrary, Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands Government, has not ruled out the introduction of a tourist tax. This comes after Vice President Manuel Dominguez announced on Friday that there would be no such tax.
However, speaking at the CC party's Insular Convention in Gran Canaria, Clavijo stated: "It is true that the ecotax is not included in the government program, but it is also true that we are willing to discuss it; the government will always engage in dialogue."
"It is a successful model that has generated a lot of employment and wealth, but it is also true that we have to continue improving it. We have to deepen the added value, the increase in turnover, profit, and wealth. Therefore, all this will be discussed openly without holding back and no taboo subjects."
Earlier on April 10, during a plenary session of the regional Parliament, the President of the Canary Islands expressed his openness to discuss the possibility of introducing a tourist tax in the archipelago.
