The Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC) has lifted the suspension of the tourist tax in Mogán, Gran Canaria, allowing the measure to come back into effect as of Thursday, 27th March.
The decision follows legal arguments presented by the Mogán Town Council defending the tax’s legality and administrative feasibility.
The tax had initially been halted by precautionary measures requested by the Las Palmas Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs (FEHT) shortly after its introduction. The business group claimed that the continued application of the levy could cause economic harm to the sector, especially if the courts ultimately ruled against the tax, making refunds complicated.
However, the TSJC rejected these arguments, stating that there are established tax mechanisms available to process any necessary refunds. Therefore, the court saw no justification to maintain the suspension while awaiting a final ruling on the matter.
The decision represents a significant win for the local council. Mogán’s mayor, Onalia Bueno, celebrated the court’s ruling, stating, “Despite opposition from the hotelier’s association, the PSOE, and Nueva Canarias, Mogán continues to move forward.”
She defended the simplicity of the tax’s calculation and dismissed claims of excessive bureaucracy, which had been central to the hotel sector’s objections.
The reinstated tax, originally designed to generate revenue from the growing number of tourists visiting the area, remains a point of contention between the local government and the hospitality industry, which continues to prepare legal challenges against its implementation.
