Canary Islands Reject Tourist Tax Just 24 Hours After Proposal

Overtourism in Europe's top destinations continues to be a hot topic. Cities are scrambling for solutions, with some opting for tourist taxes while others debate the idea. But Mogán, a community in Spain's Canary Islands, took a bold step—and then promptly stumbled.

The Mogán City Council proposed a modest tourist tax of 16 cents per person, per day, for visitors staying in local hotels and accommodations. The funds were intended for infrastructure upgrades to manage the ever-growing influx of travelers. Mayor Onalia Bueno emphasized that the tax wasn’t about discouraging tourism but ensuring guests contribute their fair share for quality services. "We embrace tourism and expect it with quality services," she explained.

Sounds reasonable, right? Not to the courts. Just one day after the tax was introduced, Judge Francisco José Gómez de Lorenzo-Cáceres struck it down, calling it "an inappropriate and disproportionate burden." He also pointed out that such a measure should have been formalized under law, making the City Council’s approach legally shaky.

Undeterred, Mogán City Council plans to appeal the decision, according to reports. Clearly, this community isn’t giving up on its vision of balancing tourism and sustainability anytime soon.

Last year alone, nearly 10 million tourists visited the Canary Islands between January and September, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute. That’s quite a crowd for a relatively small group of islands.

Meanwhile, locals are feeling the squeeze. October protests at holiday resorts highlighted the tensions, with some residents blaming tourists for driving up housing prices and monopolizing public spaces. In one particularly striking scene, protesters chanted, "This beach is ours," while sunbathers tried to soak up the rays. Talk about awkward vacation vibes.

As Europe grapples with overtourism, Mogán’s tax drama serves as a reminder of the complexities involved. Can taxes fix overcrowding and strained infrastructure, or will they just drive tourists elsewhere? That’s a question the Canary Islands—and countless other destinations—are trying to answer.