The opposition to the implementation of the tourist tax in the Valencian Community continues to grow day by day. Led by the Hosbec hotel association, this initiative includes the creation of a digital petition with the slogan "No to the tourist tax," allowing anyone interested to sign and join the protest.
In just five days since its introduction, the platform has surpassed 2,200 signatures from both the tourism sector and other fields. It currently enjoys the backing of over 260 companies and 75 entities and institutions from various economic and social sectors.
The goal of this platform is to unite business and social support against the tax that the Botànic parties are trying to impose by law, as part of a government agreement signed by PSPV-PSOE and Compromís, with the support of Podemos. The sector argues that an increase in the tax burden could diminish its competitiveness, especially at a time when recovery has yet to be solidified.
Not only have regional and national tourism organizations joined this protest, but groups such as AVE (Valencian Business Association) and Exceltur have also participated. Additionally, businesswomen, executives, and independent workers through ATA, along with other commercial organizations, developers, construction companies, golf courses, and marinas, have expressed their support.
Hosbec states that "the platform continues to function so that politicians hear this nearly unanimous voice calling for a responsible approach during such a delicate time for tourism activity."
Support has even come from other sectors, such as footwear and toy manufacturers, the Official College of Industrial Technical Engineers of Valencia, and the funeral sector.
As noted on the platform, "the economic reality of tourism in the Community is a crucial factor to consider when making any decisions. We still have a long way to go: Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Canary Islands, Andalusia, Basque Country, and Madrid are regions we know well in terms of arrivals and average prices."
"At the municipal level, a powerful city like Valencia could jeopardize its strategy to position itself among the leading urban destinations for tourism revenue, clearly losing ground to its competitors," they add.
