Tourism Debates in the Canary Islands Center on Eco-Tax and Digital Nomads
The Canary Islands’ Ministry of Tourism has sparked a discussion that goes beyond the usual data on traveler recovery. This summer highlighted political tensions within regional leadership, notably the Gomeran Socialist Association (ASG) and its figure Yaiza Castilla. Naomi Santana, a managing partner aligned with Social Rights and Podemos, revisited calls for a tourist eco-tax, arguing that the policy belongs in the election program and should be reconsidered in light of post-pandemic recovery.
Yaiza Castilla is due to meet with the Canary Islands Parliament to clarify her stance on the eco-tax, a proposal Santana has championed. Castilla has signaled that now is not the appropriate moment to move forward with the tax. The stance marks a period of renewed debate within the tourism sector.
Podemos has been seen as taking a firm position on this topic, while other ministries voice caution. Deputy Minister of Culture Juan Márquez has echoed Santana’s concerns on social media, including posts about digital nomads. The dialogue has widened to include potential residents and visitors in the archipelago’s ongoing tourism discourse.
A notable trigger for the discussion was Márquez’s August tweet: “Digital nomad: go home.” He clarified that his comments were not intended as xenophobic. He described digital nomads as a trend that rose during the pandemic and noted that their presence can influence housing markets and local taxation. He argued that they contribute little through direct taxation and may indirectly affect housing costs, stressing the need to understand the broader economic impact.
In Márquez’s view, the question is why the ambition to attract digital nomads should be framed as a problem. He challenged the idea that opening doors to remote workers would cause more housing barriers for island residents. This contrast between policymakers reflects a wider debate about whether the tourism strategy should actively target remote workers, or focus on traditional visitors and broader economic diversification.
According to Yaiza Castilla, the Canary Islands’ tourism strategy has been successful in positioning the archipelago as a leading destination for remote work. Data indicate that remote workers often spend three times more per visit than typical holidaymakers. Local leaders, including Nacho Rodríguez, president of the Canary Cooperative Areas Association, argue that digital nomads positively impact the economy and that there is little basis for claims of negative effects. They emphasize the long-term benefits to services and local businesses.
Turismo de Islas Canarias reports that the island archipelago hosts a substantial cohort of remote workers, with estimates showing an average expenditure well above that of leisure travelers. The ecosystem surrounding teleworking has grown to become a meaningful portion of total tourism, with measurable economic gains in recent years and projected improvements for 2022. These figures highlight the potential for sustainable growth that leverages digital nomad activity while supporting local communities.
Castilla points to the positive momentum created by including remote workers in the diversification strategy since late 2020. She argues that increased teleworking supports an economy that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable, providing resilience during disruptions such as global crises and ongoing energy concerns. The minister highlights the importance of maintaining steady communication with the tourism sector to ensure the benefits are distributed effectively across the islands.
Political Dynamics and Economic Considerations
Opposition groups and industry stakeholders have expressed reservations about a potential eco-tax. President Angel Victor Torres of the PSOE has paused the eco-tax discussion, awaiting sector stability amid energy concerns and the winter campaign. Elections in May 2023 suggest that the debate may surface again, depending on how the sector evolves and the broader political climate.
From Podemos’ perspective, the eco-tax is a policy instrument already in use elsewhere and in other autonomous communities. The argument is that modest per-night charges can fund decarbonization efforts while tourists continue to visit. Márquez contends that the destination would benefit from moving forward carefully, with input from tourism stakeholders. Castilla’s position emphasizes a cautious, pragmatic approach: evaluate the fiscal policy, consult the industry, and ensure that any decision supports a strong image for the islands. She notes that a rapid implementation would be unwise given inflation and the potential effects on longer stays, which could influence overall tourist numbers.
The broader discussion acknowledges that high inflation may deter visitors to the Canary Islands. If a per-stay or per-night fee is adopted, regions with longer average stays in Europe could experience shifts in accommodation demand. The current data suggest strong staying patterns among visitors, but policy changes must balance revenue goals with competitiveness in a crowded European market.