Tourism demand rises in Galicia amid infrastructure concerns

The tourism sector in Galicia, particularly in Ourense and O Grove, is experiencing high demand driven by favorable weather and holiday periods. In Ourense, accommodation occupancy is expected to reach approximately 95% during the upcoming holiday weekend, following a summer that set record overnight stays.

However, the thermal tourism industry in Ourense faces significant challenges. Only five of the city's fifteen public thermal pools are currently operational, leading to criticisms from the Amigos das Termas association. Association president Enrique Camoeiras has accused Mayor Gonzalo Pérez Jácome of mismanagement, citing inadequate infrastructure, lack of parking, and poor public transport as major deterrents compared to successful neighboring regions.

To address the strain on municipal services caused by high visitor volumes, some local leaders, such as the mayor of O Grove, are considering the implementation of a tourist tax. Proponents argue such a tax would provide necessary funds to maintain public spaces, improve cleanliness, and upgrade infrastructure that currently struggles to meet the needs of both residents and tourists.