The destination is Spain’s first municipality to go ahead with charging tourists a tax for staying in any type of holiday accommodation, starting from the turn of next year
Brits hoping to enjoy a warm Spanish holiday during the winter months are in for a shock if they travel to one popular destination. Starting from next year, anybody wanting to stay in Mogán in Gran Canaria will be slapped with a daily tax cost of €0.15 (around 12p). This includes accommodation such as hotels, apartments and holiday rental properties and also applies to any Canary Islands residents using these type of establishments.
The announcement was made by Mogán’s mayor, Onalia Bueno, earlier this month and aims to support sustainable tourism development in one of the Canary Islands’ most popular holiday spots. Unlike similar levies in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the upcoming levy in Galicia, Mogán’s tax will be strictly ‘finalist’ in nature.
This means that all the money collected will be exclusively used for activities, services, or infrastructure improvements within the municipality’s tourist areas, reports Canarian Weekly. Bueno confirmed that the daily rate of the tax may vary each year, depending on the local council’s planned investments aimed at improving the visitor experience The mayor said: “This tax for the provision of services and activities related to tourism and sustainability obligations.” She added that the new charge is a reflection of the municipality’s commitment to maintaining its appeal as a top-tier destination.
Although Mogán itself doesn’t have an airport, the nearest one for holidaymakers to fly into is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport, around 36 miles away. At the time of writing, a direct flight on January 1, 2025 (when the tax kicks in) for one adult from London Gatwick to Las Palmas costs £46.99 with easyJet and takes four hour and 35 minutes.
The Canary Islands had 16 million tourists throughout 2023, with around 4.3 million visiting Gran Canaria. Many visitors have gushed about their experiences in Mogán, from the harbour to the beach on Tripadvisor, with one writing: “We visited Mogán from Puerto Rico to experience the Markets on Friday predominantly and then the town itself.
“And of course to have lunch and eat gelato. What a fantastic experience we both had, and another added: “Bustling harbour in the old town, clear waters, seafront restaurants and quaint little streets. Lovely place to visit.”
Elsewhere, one tourist commented: “Stunning place to visit while in Gran Canaria, went on the ferry which was lovely. Went to the market and wondered around before having some beautiful seafood looking over the water. Decent prices and just a beautiful place.”
“But one tourist wasn’t quite as impressed, saying: “It’s a busy beach resort, it’s quite quaint in places and worth seeing, but I wouldn’t stay there. Some good restaurants and shops.”
