Eco-tax on Canary holidaymakers is the right move

Von Marlis Zoschke

Tenerife lives mainly off tourism, all right. But even here, alongside all the economic benefits for the local population, there are equally significant drawbacks. The island, which many years ago was still such a natural paradise, no longer exists in that form. The planned eco-tax is therefore the right thing to do and is important.

Meanwhile, the most beautiful parts of Tenerife have been built over, and the less well-off sections of the population do not understand this change. Perhaps too many promises were made about prosperity for all.

I find it incomprehensible that German holidaymakers often behave as though everything in another country should be free of charge and that the locals should be grateful that anyone comes at all.

Visitor’s taxes and bed taxes have long been the norm in Germany

Every holidaymaker knows that a visitor’s tax has been levied in Germany for many years on all the North Sea and Baltic Sea islands, in spa towns and in other parts of the country. For some time now, there has even been a bed tax for tourists in larger cities. In Berlin, this amounts to up to 35 euros for three nights‘ accommodation.

In my view, more respect should be shown to the local people – and to their natural environment. After all, the island is their home. To this end, not only tourists but also residents of the Canary Islands – those on long-term holiday – should be required to pay an annual flat-rate contribution.