The Socialist Party announced on Thursday that it will not back the proposed tourist tax in Alicante. The party argues the move is untimely, noting that the tourism sector has been hit exceptionally hard by recent events and the economic fallout from the pandemic. In parallel, PSOE President Luis Barcala presented a plan focused on strengthening the tourism industry and outlining a strategic road map for the sector.
Puig finds the tourism tax inappropriate and backs municipalities opposing it: “A prudent choice”
Miguel Millana, the general secretary of the local PSOE, joined the chorus of socialist leaders who have criticized the measure. Francesc Colomer, the regional Tourism secretary, and Ximo Puig, the head of the Generalitat, have voiced similar concerns, calling the tax inappropriate and expressing support for municipalities that chose not to implement it. Millana noted that even though some government partners in the coalition supported the measure, the broader stance from the party in Alicante remains cautious and skeptical about its immediate value in the current climate.
On this point, Millana pointed out that the current political configuration includes Compromís and Unides Podem as partners, yet the emphasis remained on safeguarding the local tourism economy rather than pursuing a new tax at this moment. The rhetoric underscored a shared concern about how the tax would affect a sector that is foundational to Alicante’s economic health and employment.
Preliminary and broad opposition from Alicante municipalities to the tourist tax
The stance from Alicante’s local authorities has been cautious, with many officials stressing the importance of supporting tourism amid fragile economic conditions. They have signaled a preference for keeping the tourist tax off the table while seeking alternative measures to bolster the industry. The mood among local leaders reflects a broad desire to protect businesses and workers who rely on a steady stream of visitors, especially during a period of renewed travel activity and recovery in the hospitality sector.
Trini Amorós, who leads tourism efforts for the PSOE, reiterated calls for a strategic approach to tourism policy as the Barcala administration continues its governance. Critics argue that Alicante lacks a coherent tourism model, warning against improvisation that could undermine long-term competitiveness. Amorós asserted that the Barcala government has yet to articulate clear targets for Alicante, suggesting that without defined goals, the city bears the consequences of inaction, particularly for agencies and operators in the tourism sphere.
Critics maintain that a well-defined plan could help align municipal services, marketing efforts, and infrastructure investments with the realities of a shifting travel market. The conversation around a strategic framework emphasizes the need for measurable objectives, performance indicators, and a transparent timetable to guide investments and policy decisions that affect visitors, residents, and local businesses alike.