CEV Reiterates Opposition to Tourism Tax Amid Economic Pressure
The Valencia Community Business Confederation, known as CEV, disclosed on Thursday that its executive board has rejected the approval of a new tourism tax. The board argues that Botànic’s approach lacks confidence in the sector and risks stifling the ongoing recovery of the region’s tourism economy. The concerns were voiced during the body’s morning session, where President Salvador Navarro expressed clear dismay that a tax targeting tourist accommodation and overnight stays had received endorsement. He described the measure as a direct hit to one of the region’s principal economic engines and warned of its potential to dampen investment and job creation in the sector. [Citation: CEV executive board minutes, Valencia region economic council]
CEV leadership emphasized that the timing of the tax is inappropriate given current market signals. The law does include a one-year moratorium after approval, but the board noted that economic forecasts for the coming year already point to a slowdown. This, they say, would heighten uncertainty for hospitality and related businesses and signal a lack of sensitivity to the needs of the business fabric that drives growth in the Valencia Community. The discussion reflected a broader concern about policy predictability, which many in the local business community view as essential for planning and capital allocation in a fragile recovery period. [Citation: regional economic forecast briefing]
In their assessment, the new fiscal measure could undermine the competitive position of the Valencia Community when compared with competing destinations. The board warned that the hotel and tourist accommodation sectors could experience reputational damage and a possible downturn in visitor demand if the tax becomes a deterrent for travelers and operators alike. Local business leaders argue that a tax with this reach would not only reduce short-term cash flow but also affect longer-term confidence in the region’s viability as a tourism hub. The concerns are anchored in the belief that policy moves should align with the realities of a still-recovering market, where every investment decision weighs heavily on the destination’s image and price competitiveness. [Citation: regional tourism impact analysis]
CEV Expands Membership, Adding New Associations
During the same meeting, CEV members approved the incorporation of two new associations: the Citrus Management Committee and Castellón’s Provincial Association of Electrical Installers and Similar Activities (AIECS). This expansion reflects the federation’s ongoing strategy to widen participation across key regional sectors and to bolster collective advocacy on matters affecting small and medium-sized enterprises. The addition of these groups signals an intent to embrace a broader array of industry voices, from agricultural commodities to electrical and technical services, reinforcing CEV’s role as a unified voice for business interests in the Valencian Community. [Citation: CEV meeting resolutions]
Alongside these associations, several regional enterprises joined the federation, including Josep Llorca Construcciones, Abdón Pedrajas, J & A Garrigues, SLP, Ouigo España SAU, and IRYO. The inclusion of such firms underscores CEV’s commitment to representing a diverse mix of sectors and sizes, from construction and logistics to rail-enabled transport services and health technology solutions. The alliance aims to create a stronger platform for dialogue with policy makers, support for empresarios navigating post-crisis recovery, and a more coordinated regional strategy for sustainable growth. [Citation: CEV membership roster update]