The tourism and business sector in Girona has expressed its firm opposition to a government measure that it considers not only irresponsible but also has the potential to have a serious economic impact on the municipalities that depend on tourism activity, jeopardising their future.
Several well-known organisations, such as the Costa Brava-Pyrenees Girona Tourist Apartment Association (ATA), the Girona Tourist Board, the Girona APIO Association and others, have expressed their deep indignation at Decree-Law 3/2023. This decree envisages a significant reduction, specifically of 40%, in the supply of Housing for Tourist Use (HUT) in the counties of Girona, a measure that, according to these organisations, would jeopardise not only the vitality of the tourism sector but also the economic stability of the municipalities affected.
The Girona area would be particularly affected, with 66 municipalities and 41,431 HUTs. The main concern lies in the perception that this measure does not adequately address the predominantly second home nature of these HUTs. They argue that this would not solve the problem of access to housing, as many of these would continue to be considered as secondary residences.
In addition, they highlight the possible negative consequences for the local economy, with a direct impact on the income of small HUT owners, as well as the estimated loss of 5,000 jobs. This measure, according to the sector, can be perceived as a disguised expropriation, with the possible result of compensation claims by the affected landowners.
The organisations are critical of the lack of studies and data that would have justified the government's decision, and call for a transparent parliamentary process with the participation of independent experts to arrive at more effective solutions. In parallel, it has been announced that legal measures will be taken to combat this decree law during the parliamentary phase, with the aim of protecting the interests of the sector and avoiding negative economic repercussions.
