Vox Joins Andalusian Coalition, Halting Proposed Tourist Tax

The inclusion of Vox in the new Andalusian coalition government, with Manuel Gavira appointed vice‑president responsible for tourism, has effectively ended plans for a regional tourist tax. The tax, long advocated by mayors of the eight provincial capitals to fund local services, was expected to be introduced under the previous administration but faced opposition from the former tourism minister Arturo Bernal and the regional president Juanma Moro. Vox has consistently rejected the levy, describing it as a hidden tax that would burden both foreign and Spanish visitors and increase fiscal pressure on the tourism sector. A survey of 32 municipalities showed only 16 % support for the measure, while a few PP mayors, such as Sevilla’s José Luis Sanz, continue to endorse it. Instead of the tax, the coalition will focus on a tourism‑sustainability observatory involving the regional government, the Federation of Andalusian Municipalities and the business federation.