The Fuerteventura Tourist Business Association (ASOFUER) has strongly opposed the initial approval by the La Oliva Council of a tourist tax of €0.56 per person per night. ASOFUER’s president, Antonio Hormiga, noted that this stance isn’t new. He expressed concerns about the legality of such a municipal tax, highlighting existing judicial precedents in the Canary Islands.
In a statement, ASOFUER stressed that while the tourism sector should certainly contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of the destination, the real issue is how this contribution is structured, including legal assurances, specific purposes, and tangible benefits for the community.
ASOFUER referenced a significant ruling from the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands, which annulled Mogán’s tourist tax last year for not justifying the services it funded. Hormiga emphasised that La Oliva’s continued pursuit of a similar tax formula, without exploring more robust legal alternatives, is puzzling.
The organisation clarified that a tax is distinct from a fee. A tax does not require a direct benefit in return, whereas a fee must relate to specific public services that provide individual benefits. They argued that the legal framework sets strict limits on what municipalities can charge, and the proposed tax in La Oliva fails to meet these standards.
Despite acknowledging the funding needs of tourist municipalities, ASOFUER insists these cannot validate any revenue collection methods that violate legal limits. They advocate for targeted contributions from tourism, tied to identifiable results. Instead of a blanket charge for overnight stays, ASOFUER suggests implementing fees related to specific services or tourist attractions, promoting sustainable practices in managing local resources.
Drawing parallels to Lanzarote’s successful management of tourist centres, which generate substantial income while supporting conservation, ASOFUER believes this model could be adapted for Fuerteventura.
In response to the controversial tax initiative, ASOFUER is prepared to engage in dialogue with the La Oliva Council while also considering legal actions if the proposal persists in its current form, echoing the Mogán case.
They reaffirm their commitment to collaborating with the municipality to find viable legal frameworks for tourism contributions, highlighting tourism’s crucial role in Fuerteventura’s economy and employment. ASOFUER advocates for tourism that is competitive, sustainable, and respectful of local communities, leveraging institutional cooperation and legal compliance.
