For the first time in over two decades, the price of sunbeds and parasols on the beaches of San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Gran Canaria) is set to increase. The Town Hall will vote this week to launch the process of updating the rates, which haven’t changed since 2002 — or in reality, since 1997, when they were converted from pesetas to euros.
Currently, renting a sunbed or parasol costs €2.50 per day, but under the new proposal, this will rise to €4.50 for both items. The local council, led by Yilenia Vega, argues that even with the increase, the rates remain "highly competitive" compared to both local and national averages.
An economic study commissioned by the council actually suggested setting the price at €6, but the final proposal aims for a more moderate rise.
New Beach Services Proposed
Along with the price increase, the council plans to introduce new optional services, including:
These additions would offer tourists more premium options while generating additional revenue.
Opposition Voices Concern Over Move
The PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) strongly opposes the price hike, accusing the council of prioritising private company profits over public benefit. Spokesperson Conchi Narváez argues that instead of making the service more profitable for private firms, it should be fully municipalised, suggesting that full public management could bring in around €3 million annually, which could be reinvested into better working conditions and equipment for beach staff.
Narváez also criticised the current state of the service's vehicles, describing them as embarrassing and environmentally damaging, leaking fluids onto the sand.
Who Will Run the Service?
Currently, the sunbed and parasol service is operated indirectly by the company Perfaler under a contract that has technically expired. The Town Hall is preparing to put the service out to tender again, taking advantage of updated conditions granted by the coastal authorities. These new regulations allow kiosks to expand their terraces but reduce the total number of sunbeds from 5,000 to 3,994 and parasols from 2,500 to 1,997.
Is This Privatisation?
The proposal has sparked a wider political debate, with PSOE and unions UGT and FSOC calling for the service to become 100% public, possibly through the municipal company Emursa. However, Deputy Mayor Alejandro Marichal denies accusations of privatisation. “This is not privatisation; it’s indirect management, as it has been for years,” he stated.
If approved, beachgoers will see the new prices and services introduced once the bidding process for the new contract is complete.
