The Fuerteventura Business Tourism Association (ASOFUER) has firmly rejected the initial approval by La Oliva Town Council of a proposed tourist tax of €0.56 per person per night.
ASOFUER’s president, Antonio Hormiga, stated that the association has previously raised serious legal concerns regarding this type of municipal tax. He lamented the council’s decision to push forward with an initiative already questioned from a legal standpoint, referencing a significant court precedent in the Canary Islands.
The debate, according to ASOFUER, is not about whether tourism should financially contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the destination—there is no doubt it should—but rather how this contribution is structured, the legal guarantees in place, its specific purpose, and the real benefits for the local community.
The association highlighted a ruling from July, where the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands annulled Mogán’s tourist tax ordinance, which had been challenged by the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Las Palmas. The court found that Mogán’s ordinance lacked clarity on the services it funded, did not adhere to legal principles, and improperly used the tax to secure municipal financing. Despite the Town Council’s intention to appeal, Hormiga remarked that this ruling serves as a crucial warning.
ASOFUER expressed confusion over La Oliva’s insistence on pursuing a similar tax model without engaging in dialogue for more robust legal alternatives, especially given the existing legal precedents.
The association highlighted that a tax and a fee are not synonymous. A tax is imposed based solely on economic capacity, while a fee should be tied to specific legal services that benefit those required to pay it. ASOFUER underscored the importance of critically evaluating the justification for services listed in the La Oliva ordinance, how they relate to those being taxed, and ensuring compliance with legal frameworks.
While ASOFUER acknowledges the financial needs of tourist municipalities, it rejected the notion that such needs justify any form of tax that overrides legal limitations. The association advocates for a more sustainable and coherent approach to tourist contributions, proposing fees or charges linked to specific services or facilities instead of a blanket tax.
ASOFUER pointed to Lanzarote’s management of its tourist resources as a model worth studying and adapting for Fuerteventura. Lanzarote’s cultural centres attracted almost three million visitors and generated significant revenue, demonstrating that effective tourist management can yield substantial economic returns while supporting conservation efforts.
ASOFUER aims to ensure that visitors understand their contributions lead to identifiable benefits for the local area and residents see tangible improvements. The association plans to thoroughly examine the municipal proposal and will outline its objections during the public consultation period. Should the ordinance not meet legal standards, ASOFUER intends to pursue administrative or legal action to challenge it.
Nonetheless, ASOFUER remains open to collaboration with La Oliva Town Council, seeking to establish a constructive dialogue to find legal methods for tourism contributions that benefit both the local community and the tourism sector.
Tourism is essential for Fuerteventura’s economy and job market, and ASOFUER advocates for a competitive, sustainable tourism model that respects local needs and rule of law.
