Tourists visiting the Balearic Islands could have to pay tax increases of between 66% and 200% under new measures being proposed to tackle overtourism.
Cruise ship passengers face the biggest planned increase of the Sustainable Tourism Tax, from €2 to up to €6 per person per night.
Currently, the tax is split into two separate tariffs, one for winter and a higher rate for summer, but in future the government plans to introduce four tariffs, ranging from zero in January and February up to as much as €6 per night in the summer.
Rates will vary according the standard of accommodation and the season, with cruise passengers and those staying in four-star ‘superior’ and five-star hotels in June, July and August paying the highest rate.
However, the tax, which was first introduced almost 10 years ago, will be removed altogehter in January and February, presumably to attact more visitors during the quietest winter months.
The islands, which include Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza, are also considering an emissions tax on tourist vehicles, including temporary rental cars, of €30 to €80, with the money raised invested in public transport.
There are also plans to introduce a new regulatory framework to control tourist accommodation, with fines of up to €500,000 for illegal holiday rentals.
The Government plans to debate the proposed measures with the different political groups to obtain the necessary support for approval in the Parliament of the Balearics.
