Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson of Iceland plans to revamp the country’s tourism taxation system to promote sustainability, inspired by Majorca, Tenerife, and Lanzarote. Meanwhile, British tourists face protests in Spain’s popular destinations over overtourism issues.
Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson of Iceland announced intentions to join Majorca, Tenerife, and Lanzarote in regulating the influx of UK tourists. Speaking to CNBC on June 18, 2024, Benediktsson emphasized redesigning Iceland’s tourism taxation system to better align with sustainability goals. He mentioned the potential implementation of a dynamic fee structure that fluctuates based on demand and time of year to manage tourist traffic effectively.
In parallel, British tourists are reconsidering their travel plans amid rising protests against overtourism in popular Spanish destinations such as the Balearic and Canary Islands. Complaints from local residents about the strain on infrastructure and environmental resources have led to significant demonstrations, including a large rally on a Majorca beach.
Tourism is vital to Spain’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Despite the tensions, many organizers of the protests clarify that they aim to reduce mass tourism to sustainable levels rather than ban tourists outright. The UK remains the largest source of international visitors to Spain, with over 17.2 million British tourists in 2023.
