Ashotel welcomes lower airport fees but warns of Imserso profitability issues

The Hotel and Extrahotel Association of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro (Ashotel) has expressed support for the Spanish government's decision to limit the increase in airport fees. The Council of Ministers approved a 0.33% rise, significantly lower than the 4% increase originally proposed by the airport manager, Aena. Ashotel president Jorge Marichal stated that this containment helps maintain competitiveness and provides relief to airlines facing high fuel costs and geopolitical instability.

Despite the fee relief, Ashotel is urging Aena to proceed with planned airport reforms and expansions funded by DORA III, noting that previous investments in Tenerife have been insufficient.

Separately, the hospitality sector in the Canary Islands is raising concerns regarding the profitability of the Imserso social tourism program. Ashotel reports that member establishments are earning less than 30 euros per person per day, a figure they deem insufficient to cover costs. This comes despite record profitability in the broader sector, with May seeing historic highs in revenue per available room. While the Imserso program remains highly demanded, with 87,000 places available in the archipelago, industry leaders argue the current rates are no longer sustainable.