UK tourists warned over new 'entry fee' rule in Lanzarote and Tenerife
UK tourists have been warned over new "entry fees" in Lanzarote and Tenerife. European Union holidaymakers heading to Spain from the UK have been told the Canary Islands could see an annual revenue of €420 million by introducing entry fees for holidaymakers visiting protected natural spaces.
That is according to regional Tourism Councillor Jessica de León. Talking to the media press ahead of the Canary Islands’ participation in the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid from 22 January to 26 January, De León highlighted the potential benefits of such a system, using Lanzarote as an example of its success.
De León advocates for what she calls "intelligent taxation," where local and regional governments impose fees directly tied to specific purposes. I “This approach not only ensures conservation but also supports job creation,” said De León.
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"Excess revenue often ends up in bank reserves rather than being reinvested in public services," De León stated. She further highlighted that the ecotax would primarily target regulated accommodation and exclude other tourist sectors, limiting its reach and effectiveness.
"What Lanzarote is doing works, and this approach could generate twice as much income as the ecotax proposal," she said. Last year, rotests erupted in tourist hotspots like Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) and Playa de las Americas (Tenerife). Residents demanded action to protect their quality of life, calling for stricter limits on visitors.
From January 2025, visitors to Mogan will pay a small fee of €0.15 per person, per day. Unlike typical tourist taxes, this one is designed to fund public services that are impacted by tourism and also projects focused on sustainability and protecting the natural beauty of the region.
The decision makes Mogan, known for its whale watching and hiking trails, the first place in the Canary Islands to implement such a measure. Mayor Onalia Bueno embraced the change, saying: “We’re proud to take the lead. Mogan is now joining other European destinations that use tourist fees to protect their future and support local sustainability.”