Santa Úrsula Faces Political Clash Over Tourist Zone Retail Expansion

The Santa Úrsula City Council’s request to be declared a "Large Tourist Influx Zone" (ZGAT) has sparked a political row in the municipality. The governing party (AISU) argues that the move is necessary to allow shops to extend their opening hours, catering to the high number of weekend visitors drawn to the town’s popular food scene.

However, the Popular Party (PP) has strongly opposed the plan and intends to table a motion at the next council meeting to force the request's withdrawal. Councilman Jorge Ojeda argues that liberalizing shopping hours—allowing stores to open on Sundays and holidays—is unnecessary and would create an unfair playing field. He claims the change would primarily benefit large retail chains, leaving local, family-run businesses at a disadvantage.

From a technical standpoint, the debate questions whether the ZGAT status is even needed. Current regulations already allow shops under 400 square meters to set their own opening hours. The PP maintains that the proposed change is redundant for small businesses and would only serve to help larger retailers already operating in the area.

This dispute highlights a common tension in Canary Island towns: balancing the modernization of tourism services with the protection of traditional retail. The Popular Party warns that the government’s plan threatens local jobs and the character of the town, urging officials to focus on supporting local entrepreneurs rather than dominant retail chains. The upcoming vote will decide whether the municipality moves toward fully liberalized shopping hours or keeps its current, more restrictive framework for large retailers.