It is one of the main problems that affect both tourism and housing, but despite this, the political formations that join the regional ones cannot come to an agreement. And this While Compromís and Unides Podem demand control of the tourist apartments, Ciudadanos and Vox completely reject it, and PSPV-PSOE and PPCV pass completely silently..
Tourism was one of the sectors that experienced the worst, if not the most, in the pandemic. Restrictions to prevent coronavirus have caused overnight stays in the Community of Valencia, which approached 30 million in 2019, to drop by 70% the following year. Since then, the pre-health crisis records have yet to be reached, although the situation has improved significantly, especially in the past year. This fact, together with the extraordinary economic weight of this activity, encourages different parties to give special attention to it in their programmes.
However, despite the competition it has created in the sector and the inflationary effect it has created in housing, they cannot agree on the subject of touristic apartments. The most attractive ones are those of the Unides Podem. They recommend limiting such flats to 2% in stressful areas. Regarding the number of residents, Compromís advocates establishing a sanctions regime for abusive real estate practices. Ciudadanos and Vox take advantage of their liberal nature to avoid obstructions, and the two majority parties, PSPV-PSOE and PPCV delegate to municipalities under the pretext of municipal authority.
Otherwise, right-wing parties propose tax cuts for the sector and while planning to combat seasonality, left pays more attention to improving employment and working conditions. What all parties agree on is the promotion of professionalisation, special attention to education and also the creation of seals or brands that serve to strengthen the quality of organisations. Another of the topics they discussed, especially Unides Podem and Vox, is the promotion of rural tourism.
The bloc right promises tax repeal
The introduction of a tourist tax by Botànic was one of the major causes of debate in this last legislature, and as it could not have been otherwise, it also became an electoral weapon. Especially by the parties on the right that promised to abolish it as a bloc. It is reminded from the left that the application is voluntary and depends on the municipalities. mv