The Workers’ Commission has proposed a hike in the tourist tax paid by visitors to the Balearic islands, which include Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca
UK holidaymakers heading to Spain could face a significant increase in costs under new proposals. This follows a call for a rise in the tourist tax paid by visitors to the Balearic islands.
The Balearic Islands consist of four main islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, along with the smaller island of Cabrera and around 150 other minor islets.
At present, Brits travelling to Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca pay a fee based on the quality of their accommodation and the time of their visit.
During peak season, tourists are charged €4 (£3.50) per person each night in a five-star hotel, €3 in mid-range accommodation, €2 for budget stays, and €1 in hostels. These rates decrease by 75 per cent during off-peak periods.
Approximately 18 million Brits travel to Spain annually, making it our top holiday destination. It’s estimated that 27 per cent – nearly five million – of these travellers head to the Balearics, so any price change would have a substantial impact, reports the Liverpool Echo.
One of Spain’s largest trade unions, the Workers’ Commission, is advocating for an increase in this tax. They’ve proposed raising the tax to €15 (£13) per person, per night in July and August.
Sky News has described these proposed changes as a ‘huge hike’. It means that four adults staying at a luxury resort for two weeks would pay €840 (£736) in taxes during the summer peak, up from the current €224 (£196).
The move is not only expected to generate revenue for the Government, but also aims to curb the influx of tourists. The islands have long grappled with the issue of over-tourism, leading to several protests in recent years.
Critics argue that the surge in tourism has driven locals out of their homes due to skyrocketing housing costs and a shortage of living space as many flats are transformed into AirBnbs. There are also grievances about the disruptive behaviour of some visitors.