Malaga's Key Role in the Sevilla-Malaga Collaboration for Tourist Tax

Sevilla and Malaga Collaborate for Tourist Tax

Malaga plays a crucial role as Sevilla and Malaga are showcasing unity through their respective mayors to push the Junta de Andalucía for the support of a tourist tax. This initiative seeks to resolve financial issues among the Popular Party's governing bodies in Andalusia. The mayors, José Luis Sanz and Francisco de la Torre, demonstrated this alliance recently in Sevilla to the regional Tourism Minister, Arturo Bernal, who continues to oppose the tax, arguing it won’t address funding problems or tourist concentration.

The Need for a Tourist Tax

De la Torre claimed that agreement with the tourism sector is necessary for the autonomous government to support the measure. He sees the tax as a way to enhance tourism quality with more luxury hotels. The mayor of Malaga also noted that the tax revenue could support families with fewer resources.

• Focus on the need for an extraordinary financing instrument for municipalities.
• Address challenges stemming from mass tourism affecting community living.
• Highlight the economic significance of tourism to Sevilla’s GDP.

Real Estate Challenges in Malaga

As discussions unfold, Malaga is emerging as the Andalusian capital with the highest real estate prices and rental costs. According to recent statistics, the price per square meter in the Costa del Sol is around 1,700 euros and renting a 70 square meter apartment averages 900 euros. De la Torre criticized the central government's housing legislation, advocating for more affordable public and private housing solutions.

Future Diplomatic Relations with China

The mayors opted to avoid contentious issues, including Sevilla's claim for capital status and Malaga's bid for a direct flight to China, a point of contention that could affect both cities' tourism revenues. The cooperation between both mayors underscores a commitment to shared regional benefits regardless of competing interests.