The Azkoitia City Council, with affirmative votes from EAJ, EH Bildu, and PSE-EE, and the abstention of Azkoitia Bai, approved the application of the tourist accommodation tax (ETZ) in its ordinary plenary session yesterday. Consequently, those staying in the town's lodgings, hotels, or hostels will have to pay 0.75 euros per stay.
The mayor, Ana Azkoitia, explained that they were obligated to implement the tax due to the law approved by the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council, as failure to approve it before January 1, 2027, would result in the maximum tax rate established by the foral norm being applied.
The foral norm includes certain exemptions, such as for individuals under 18 years of age, those with functional diversity, and dependent persons and their assistants, which Azkoitia will maintain in its ordinance. However, it does not meet the conditions for applying bonuses and surcharges, as it has 143 accommodation places and a tourism intensity of 1.21%.
Asier Altuna, spokesperson for EH Bildu, advocated for sustainable and respectful tourism, emphasizing the necessity of establishing the tax due to the unmeasured exploitation of tourism affecting the town's idiosyncrasy.
Jose Joakin Etxaniz, spokesperson for Azkoitia Bai, explained the reasons for abstention, as they favored setting the tax rate at a medium level, given the situation of having too many and too few accommodation places.
Janire Igoa, spokesperson for PSE-EE, supported the ordinance, considering it reasonable for visitors to contribute to the maintenance of services and describing it as a balanced measure.
The council also addressed other matters, such as a credit modification of 275,000 euros to execute the project for a skate park and the update of the agreement to promote public housing in Txalonerreka.
Furthermore, the holidays for 2027 were determined: Saturday, July 31, and Tuesday, November 30. Additionally, next year, October 7 will also be a holiday to commemorate the establishment of the Basque Government.
