In recent discussions within the Cortes, Ferran Martínez, a deputy aligned with Podemos and active in coalition negotiations, highlighted concerns about how the Valencian regional government handles the so-called tourism tax. The debate centers on a study commissioned by the Autonomous Secretary of Tourism, led by Francesc Colomer, and carried out by University of Alicante researchers connected to the Valencia Institute of Tourism Technologies. The inquiry questions the processes by which the study was initiated, the selection of researchers, and the relevance of the findings to the broader policy framework governing tourism-related charges. The aim is to shed light on whether the tourism tax has been approached with rigorous, transparent methods or whether internal political considerations may have shaped the process.
Proposed questions from Podemos focus on procedural and governance aspects. They ask why a direct judicial or simplified procurement route was used to assemble a report on the tourism tax, what criteria guided the choice of researchers and whether the work involved collaboration with the ministry responsible for taxes, and whether the investigation considered competing proposals or potential conflicts of interest. There is also scrutiny over the price point of the contracted work, noting that the tender value was just under the threshold for large tenders and seeking to understand how the purchase process was managed. deputies seek clarity on whether prior studies were coordinated with other regional or national tax authorities and whether additional reports on the tourism tax have been produced since the report dated April 22. The regional assembly awaits a clear account of how many external reports have been commissioned on parliamentary initiatives and how the Secretariat for Tourism has handled reporting timelines and communications.
The UA study commissioned by Tourism presents arguments in favor of implementing a charging mechanism for tourism activities. It analyzes tax flows from tourism-related activities within the Community, comparing projected revenue with a framework of costs and benefits envisioned by the new policy. The researchers on the project include Armando Ortuño, María Reyes González, José Luis Gascó, Jairo Casares, and Francisco Monllor. Their findings indicate that the expected revenue from an overnight stay tax would be within a reasonable range relative to the cost of administration and enforcement. While the document emphasizes potential benefits for infrastructure, marketing, and visitor services, it also scrutinizes cautions raised by opponents who question the net gain after administrative expenses. The study contributes to a broader dialogue about how best to balance economic development in the tourism sector with affordability for travelers and competitiveness for local businesses.
In summary, the discussion surrounding the tourism tax in the Valencian Community hinges on the integrity of the process used to commission studies, the robustness of the supporting data, and the practical implications for tourism players and residents. The UA report provides a structured argument in favor of imposing the tax while acknowledging the need for careful design, transparent governance, and ongoing evaluation to ensure that policy goals align with actual outcomes on the ground. The debate continues as policymakers weigh the potential revenue benefits against administrative costs, market dynamics, and the broader aim of sustainable tourism.
Source: UA study.