More than 200 people gathered at the Tossa de Mar town hall to show their rejection of the progressive elimination of tourist licenses. The event was called by Treballadors pel Lloguer Turístic in defense of the sector's employees.
Mayors warn of economic impact on the Costa Brava
The meeting served as a platform for several mayors from the Costa Brava to express their opposition to Decree-Law 3/2023. This regulation foresees the extinction of most tourist apartments in Catalonia by November 2028.
Martí Pujals, mayor of Tossa de Mar, assured that housing does not depend on these accommodations and highlighted their vital role for the local economy. His stance coincides with that of other municipal leaders present at the event.
Maria Teresa Selva, from Begur, Jordi Colomí, from Torroella de Montgrí, Maurici Jiménez, from Castell d'Aro, Platja d'Aro i s'Agaró, and Fèlix Llorens, from Roses, defended the economic weight of these towns. The councilors warned about the negative consequences of their disappearance for the municipalities.
Francesc Zucchitello, president of the Professional Association of Hospitality Entrepreneurs of Tossa de Mar, also lent his support to the mobilization. His presence reflects the concern of the business community in the face of legislative change.
Fifty thousand jobs at risk according to organizers
Workers for Tourist Rentals quantifies the possible labor damage in the demarcation of Girona. The entity calculates that there are about 100,000 tourist apartment places that could disappear with the current regulations.
"Thousands of workers live with anguish the possible loss of their jobs if tourist use apartments are eliminated in the year 2028" - Mireia Bessó, spokesperson for Treballadors pel Lloguer Turístic
Bessó urged political parties to listen to those who depend on the sector before making decisions with irreversible consequences. The organization estimates 50,000 direct and indirect jobs threatened in Girona.
This figure rises to 200,000 jobs at risk in Catalonia as a whole. The group demands a review of the measure that affects a model rooted in many coastal areas.