Azkoitia to Implement Tourist Tax and Affordable Housing

The City Council approves the fiscal ordinance and the annex to the agreement for promoting public housing, addressing the housing issue.

Generic image of a public housing project.
IA

Generic image of a public housing project.

Azkoitia City Council has approved the implementation of a tourist tax and the annex to the agreement for promoting public housing, seeking solutions to the housing problem.

Azkoitia City Council has definitively approved the fiscal ordinance regulating the tourist accommodation tax. The council stated that excessive tourism exploitation and gentrification impact the unique character of towns, thus aiming to promote sustainable and ethical tourism that respects the economic, social, and environmental fabric. Although Azkoitia is not a primary destination for mass tourism, establishing policies to attract sustainable and respectful tourism is considered important.
Furthermore, the council and Azkoitia Lantzen, S.A., along with the Department of Housing and Urban Agenda of the Basque Government, have approved the annex to the agreement for promoting public housing in the municipality. It was highlighted that the urban planning regulations from 2006 are outdated, as forecasts were not met and specific interests influenced housing construction.
Recognizing Azkoitia as a 'Tensioned Zone,' the need for urgent measures has been emphasized. The signing of the contract to build public housing in Txalon Erreka is viewed positively, but it is noted that they are far from the initial figures of the 2006 forecasts. The council commits to providing continuity and solutions to the housing problem, not just building the houses in Txalon Erreka.
During this council session, the Andra Mari area and the location of the new sports court were also discussed. Azkoitia City Council cast an affirmative vote to ensure the increase in commitment is genuine and indicated that it will follow up.