UK tourists travelling to Tenerife warned of new charges | World | News
Tourists heading to the Spanish island of Tenerife may soon find themselves paying a little extra at the pump, due to a new fuel tax introduced by the island’s local government. The local government has just approved a €0.02 per litre fuel surcharge, called the céntimo forestal (or “forest cent”), in a bid to fund urgent wildfire prevention and environmental restoration projects. The tax was confirmed at a full council meeting last Thursday, July 31, and aims to raise an estimated £8.7 million each year to support reforestation efforts, improve fire safety infrastructure, and protect fragile ecosystems increasingly under threat from climate change and illegal dumping.
While the tax may seem minor, it could have a noticeable impact on holidaymakers renting cars to explore the island. With car hire remaining a popular option for British tourists, the additional cost at petrol stations may lead to higher prices passed down by car rental companies or felt directly at the pump.
Although the charge won’t apply to professional transport operators or public service vehicles, such as buses or delivery lorries, it does affect private motorists and visitors using hire cars.
The ruling parties, Coalición Canaria and the Partido Popular, have defended the measure, calling it a necessary step to preserve the island’s natural beauty and combat the growing risk of forest fires, Canarian Weekly reported.
However, the decision has also drawn criticism from opposition groups with the PSOE Canarias (Socialist Party of the Canaries) voting against the tax, warning it could increase the cost of living and disproportionately affect residents and tourists alike.
They argued that a tourist accommodation tax which would target overnight stays would have been a fairer solution.
A PSOE spokesperson told Canarian Weekly: “The government refuses to implement a tourist tax that would primarily impact visitors, yet supports a fuel tax that burdens residents, including those who must commute for work. “
The tax will be applied only in Tenerife and Gran Canaria as these are the most populated islands with the largest amount of vehicles circulating.
There were 17 votes in favour from the ruling parties, Coalición Canaria and the Partido Popular, 10 votes against from the PSOE and one abstention from Vox, the conservative party.
This comes amid growing frustration among locals over the environmental damage caused by irresponsible tourist behaviour, including viral stunts, littering, and ignoring fire safety rules in protected areas.
In response, Tenerife has just launched a digital surveillance unit to monitor and fine influencers who promote harmful activities online.
