Spain tourism group wants airport fees frozen, lets taxed

Spain’s 29 November election puts airport fees and holiday lets in the spotlight: tourism group Exceltur wants the next government to freeze the fees and charge value added tax (VAT) on holiday lets. Executive vice-president Óscar Perelli set out the demands in Madrid on Tuesday. The group also wants high-speed rail services restored to full operating capacity.

New rules for holiday lets

Exceltur wants tourist rentals treated as a business activity. It is calling for rules on how the properties can be used, a clear distinction between holiday lets and seasonal rentals, and a greater role for digital platforms in stopping illegal listings.

The group also wants a competitive energy supply to limit the impact of rising fuel prices, less paperwork for investment and a plan to reduce staff absenteeism. It says training should better match the skills tourism firms need, helping them recruit and keep workers.

Demand holds up as growth slows

After a good summer, Exceltur expects demand to remain strong in the final quarter of 2026, though growth is forecast to slow to 2.8%. It says the continuing conflict in the Middle East adds uncertainty.

For 2026 as a whole, the group sticks to its forecast of 2.7% growth in Spain’s tourism economy, bringing its contribution to nearly 227,000 million euros — 12.9% of the country’s total economic output.

Topics: Housing · Education · Tourism · Politics · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com