Gandia debates implementation of new tourist tax

Political debate has resurfaced in Gandia regarding the implementation of a tourist tax. Esther Sapena, spokesperson for Compromís Més Gandia, is advocating for a “fair tourist tax” to help fund the maintenance of public spaces and services. The proposal suggests a contribution of 50 cents per overnight stay, which could potentially generate between 600,000 and 2 million euros for the city to bolster cleaning and environmental policies.

In response, Gandia Mayor José Manuel Prieto expressed doubts about the measure. He noted that the regulation of such a tax does not fall directly under the jurisdiction of local municipalities and argued that the issue should be resolved by the regional government (Generalitat). Prieto also raised concerns regarding the equitable application of the tax between regulated and unregulated apartments, suggesting that the debate should be part of a broader discussion on municipal financing models for tourist destinations.