Spain’s Canary Islands’ first-ever tourist tax has been blocked by judges, offering relief to visitors and raising concerns about its impact on the local hospitality industry.

Opponents of the newly introduced tax argue it imposes an unfair administrative burden on the local hospitality industry, prompting city officials to seek a reversal of the decision.

Judges have intervened to halt the first-ever tourist tax in the Canary Islands just one day after its implementation, offering relief to British tourists.

Gran Canaria, where the pioneering tax was introduced, reports that the new levy in Mogán Municipality has been temporarily suspended by the Canary Islands High Court of Justice (TSJC).

The tax, which came into force on Tuesday, March 11, required visitors to pay €0.15 per night during their stay in Mogán. However, just one day later, on Wednesday, March 12, the TSJC ruled in favor of those opposing the tax, who criticized its “vague” and “confusing” wording.

Judge Francisco José Gómez de Lorenzo-Cáceres deemed the tax “disproportionate and inappropriate,” stating that it should have been formally legislated before implementation.

The Federación Empresarial Hotelera y Turística (FEHT) expressed concerns that the tax would create significant administrative challenges for local hospitality businesses.

The tax was approved during a meeting on February 28, where officials decided that it would apply to guests staying in hotels, vacation homes, and other tourist accommodations. Property owners were then tasked with paying the tax to the city council.

Reports indicate that the TSJC’s decision to suspend the tax was made without hearing from the Mogán Municipality Council.

City officials now have three days to defend the tax and attempt to lift the precautionary suspension.

The post Spain’s Canary Islands Face Setback as Judges Block Controversial Tourist Tax, Sparking Relief for Visitors and Raising Concerns for Local Hospitality Sector appeared first on Travel And Tour World.