In Valencia, the morning session of the People’s Party’s working meetings saw a focus on regional leadership and policy direction. Carlos Mazón, leader of the Valencian Community People’s Party, discussed upcoming priorities with Federico Fuster, the head of hotel management, alongside the party’s general secretaries, María José Catalá and Nuria Montes, and manager Victoria Puche. The discussions took place amid a backdrop of strategic planning in the city of Valencia.
Mazón outlined a clear commitment to remove the Tourist Tax and to pursue active measures that stimulate the arrival of visitors to the Valencian Community. He stated a welcoming stance for travelers, emphasizing that the country should be seen as universal, cosmopolitan, and capable of coexisting harmoniously. He asserted that with a change in government, the tourism tax would be eliminated, signaling a shift toward policies that favor growth in the sector. This was framed as a step to restore competitiveness and ensure a welcoming climate for international and domestic travelers alike.
The head of PPCV highlighted tourism as a fundamental pillar for growth and competitiveness. He noted that the sector has faced years of inconsistent policy choices and fiscal measures that deter investment. He pointed to a broader problem of finance and governance that has allowed tourism policy to drift without clear direction, which in turn has impacted the industry’s vitality and potential to expand. The message conveyed was that reforms are needed to reenergize the sector and to restore confidence among operators and investors.
Additionally, Mazón criticized what he described as a tourism-phobic rhetoric present in both the Valencian Community and the Valencia City Council. He pledged to stand up for tourism across the three provinces, arguing for the end of a tax regime that discourages visits by both international tourists and local residents who wish to explore their municipalities. He contended that the current tax framework burdens citizens and visitors alike, undermining efforts to attract visitors and sustain the local economy. The argument was that the costs imposed on travelers and residents alike by the tax structure have been detrimental to regional growth.
direct flights
On the subject of air connectivity, Mazón advocated a proactive and aggressive policy to attract international flight traffic. He emphasized the importance of establishing and expanding links with the North American market, as well as with Scandinavian and southern European countries. The strategy also included leveraging opportunities in national and Portuguese tourism to offset declines in visitation from other regions. The core aim was to ensure that Valencia and the broader Community of Valencia remain accessible, with strong flight connections that bring tourists to the area and make it easier for residents to travel abroad. The United States was highlighted as a reference point for successfully improving such connectivity, with the implication that similar efforts could yield positive results locally.
Mazón stressed the pivotal role of education in elevating the quality of professionals within the tourism sector. He underscored a public-private commitment to excellence, arguing that the industry benefits from backing shared by both government and private enterprise. The message was clear: one cannot demonize either professionals or tourism entrepreneurs. Instead, the path forward lies in collaboration among all stakeholders to create wealth and stable employment opportunities for the region. This collaborative spirit is presented as essential for sustaining a vibrant tourism economy that can withstand global competition and changing travel patterns. The overarching vision centers on building a resilient tourism ecosystem through coordinated efforts and practical policy choices that support growth while preserving the cultural and geographic strengths of Valencia. The discussion highlights a pragmatic approach to policy that aligns economic objectives with the lived realities of businesses, workers, and visitors who contribute to the vitality of the Valencian tourism sector. Attribution: Policy briefing and public statements by regional party leadership indicate a concerted effort to frame tourism as a driver of regional prosperity and social benefit.