The tourist tax does not solve the problem of the tourist destination of the territories and cities. This has not been the case in the places where this measure has been implemented in its different forms and will not be the case in the CAV, Gipuzkoa and Donostia-San Sebastián.

Catalonia and the Balearic Islands are the only State territories with a reference tourism rate. Tourists pay a fee of between EUR 1 and EUR 4 per night of accommodation, according to the data provided. It is clear that the problems of tourist accommodation in these territories have not been solved by the measure. Similar measures exist in different cities and territories in 21 countries in Europe. In some cases a fixed amount is paid per night and in others a percentage of the accommodation bill. In Rome, the rate stands at EUR 7 per night.

For many months, various administrations have been working on the tourism rate and ideas, wills and rumours are being disseminated publicly in the media. However, it is not easy for them to implement the so-called consensus. In fact, the discrepancies between the administrations are on two points: who should collect and manage the money raised through the tourist tax (1) and for what purpose this income should be earmarked. In other words: why and why the tourist tax is to be introduced (2).

Through the media, as always, we have known that work is being done with the “sector”. What is known as “sector” are companies and investors of economic interest in tourism. The people affected by this omnipresent tourism model are not involved. Neighborhood associations, trade unions or social movements that address the issue are not involved. They work together, but it is a partnership between those who share the unlimited growth of tourism and the willingness to tourist the whole territory.

San Sebastián cannot receive more tourism than it currently receives. The current tourist and urban model is causing significant damage to the life and living conditions of the Donostiarras. The increase in housing prices is leading to a massive expulsion from the city, especially of the youngest. The economic structure of the city is changing, increasing the weight of the sectors related to tourism, sectors with high precariousness (hospitality, accommodation, trade and cleaning). The privatisation of urban space and the commercialisation of cultural initiatives are jeopardising community networks and neighborhood life. Attracting more tourism is not a priority need for Donostiarras. It's working with public resources for the private interest of the few. The tourist tax is usually used for tourism promotion, and that is why we do not want fees, if it is to allocate more public money for that purpose. It would be a measure to increase the problem rather than to solve it.

Another function given to tourism rates is to “monitor” the places and spaces that attract tourists. It is said to be used to “repair” natural environments, architectural heritage elements, old areas, ports, etc., which suffer the displacement of tourists, waste and other waste. In practice, to offer infrastructures (parking spaces, walkways...) or services directly targeted to tourists (information points, panels...) around these attractions. The most serious damage to mass tourism, which occurs in the indigenous population, cannot be felt either. After all, the objective remains to ensure the good experience of the tourist and to promote the growth path of tourism, not to influence the situation of the natives.

It is therefore a clear reading of the Bizilagunak platform. The tourism rate, as it stands, does not solve the problem. Moreover, it can lead to a worsening of the problem. It creates consensus among the political forces that open the way to the tourist destination of our city, precisely because it responds fully to its activity so far. They sell turistification as an instrument to take action against citizenship, but in the meantime they continue to work for tourism growth, for the few who are enriching themselves at the expense of the living conditions of others. It is mainly an instrument to legitimize the paradigm of tourism growth.

As we suspect that we will be aware of the application of the levy, we would, however, like to add a proposal to the Bureau. If it is established, instead of using Fitur to bring dozens of politicians and friends, pay public reports to foreign media or pay annual marketing campaigns, let us use it for social income policies. We invest in policies to stop the expulsion of the Donostiarras, to paralyze the emergency of housing, to guarantee decent working conditions, to protect environments of ecological value, to promote the neighborhood life, in cultural projects from the bottom to the top... These are the concerns and needs of those of us who live and want to live in Donostia. And attracting more tourism does not mean improving them as we have seen in recent years. The time has come to take action towards the decline in tourism and to the authorities that do not want to see, more and more people are gathering strength.

With BiziLagun, platform of donostiarras concerned about the tourism model.

Member of the Bizilagunak platform of San Sebastian.