The Chiclana City Council has proposed the introduction of a seasonal tourist tax to help finance the maintenance of its beaches. The initiative, which will be submitted to the Junta de Andalucía for approval, suggests a charge of €3 per night for guests staying in four and five-star hotels during the peak summer season, from June 15 to September 15. This measure is expected to generate approximately €3 million in revenue.
According to the mayor of Chiclana, José María Román, the funds raised from this tax, combined with income from the existing Zona Naranja parking scheme, could significantly alleviate the financial burden on the municipal budget, which currently allocates around €6 million for beach maintenance during the summer months. By securing additional funding linked to tourism, the council could redirect resources to other municipal needs.
Román explained during a press conference alongside the delegate for Sustainable Tourism, Manuela Pérez, that the proposed tax would only apply during the high season when hotel occupancy rates and prices are at their highest, with some rooms costing between €300 and €1,000 per night. The mayor noted that the potential revenue from this tax could cover a substantial portion of the costs associated with maintaining the beaches.
“We are talking about the high season, when hotels are not only full but also charging the highest prices,” Román stated. “The €3 million we could collect from tourists would be added to the nearly €2 million generated by the Zona Naranja, allowing us to cover almost all of the €6 million required for beach services during the summer.”
Román highlighted that many tourist destinations across Spain and Europe have already implemented similar taxes. He emphasised that the aim is not to penalise visitors or harm the hotel sector but to ensure that a portion of the income generated from tourist stays contributes to the maintenance of services that enhance the visitor experience.
The proposed tax is designed to be seasonal, limited to the peak months when the demand for municipal services is highest. This approach is intended to maintain Chiclana's appeal outside the summer months, where the council invests in attracting tourists during the off-peak seasons. Román noted that the council provides incentives for hotels to remain open during the low season, offering €2 per night for each guest to support employment and keep facilities operational.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to balance the funding of summer services with a strategy to promote year-round tourism, ensuring economic activity and job opportunities in the autumn, winter, and spring months as well.
