The Bakio Town Council has approved a tax on tourist stays during its October plenary session. This tax is regulated by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia's Foral Law 3/2026, providing municipalities with a resource to address the impact of tourism and fund its management.
The objectives of the tax include promoting sustainable tourism, adapting to climate change, and supporting municipal financing. The regulation acknowledges the impact of tourism on the territory and creates a funding source for its management, as well as addressing the climate footprint of tourist mobility.
Despite having a stable resident population, Bakio experiences significant tourist and demographic pressure during summer and holiday periods. With second homes accounting for 60% of the housing stock, the actual population multiplies in July, August, and on weekends, placing a heavy burden on services, water consumption, waste management, and traffic.
The Tourist Pressure Index during the summer months is very high, with a small locality receiving thousands of visitors simultaneously. Consequently, the Bakio Town Council has decided to apply the maximum tax rate to tourist accommodations, recognizing their competition with habitual housing.
“"Citizens have the right to decent housing, and it is our responsibility as public institutions to provide the resources at our disposal in that direction."
The Bakio Town Council is developing a Housing Program to ensure citizens' right to decent housing, and the management of tourist accommodations will be crucial in achieving this goal.
