A new tax aimed at tourists visiting Majorca and Ibiza this summer will hit sun seeking Brits in their pockets this summer. Here’s how it could affect your summer getaway:
Who is affected by the tax?
The tax will apply to visitors of the Balearic Islands in Spain from July 1st 2016. This includes holidays to Ibiza, Menorca and Majorca. If you travel before the 1st July, the tax won’t apply to you. The cost applies to tourists who are over the age of 14.
How much will it cost?
The tax is a daily rate of 2 Euros, which is about £1.55 per person. For a family of four who are on a fortnight’s holiday, this will set them back an extra £84. However, after nine nights the tax will be halved, so a two week holiday will be more likely to cost around £70.
The extra cost will be collected by hotel staff upon arrival at your resort.
Can I avoid the tax/make it cheaper?
If you go on holiday during the peak season, the rate of tax will remain the same. However, for holidays between November and March, the rate is halved so the charge will be around £35 for a typical holiday family.
When did the tax get approved?
The charge was proposed by authorities last year, but did not get approved formally until last month. The Vice President of the Islands’ Government said that the charge was ‘absolutely necessary’. They claim that funds raised from the tax will go towards protecting natural resources in the typical holiday areas, helping to ensure ‘sustainable tourism’ for the future. The ABTA, travel trade body, is attempting to clarify what the Government actually means by this.
Holidays in other destinations:
For people going on holiday in Malta, an ‘environmental contribution’ will also apply. It will cost 50 cents per night, but will be capped at 5 Euros per person, or £4.
Public reaction
Tourists, some of whom have had their holidays to the Balearics’ booked since last year, have said that the Government are ‘cashing in’. A spokesperson for a consumer action website said it will hurt families the most and this type of tourist already faces inflated prices for going away during the school holidays. A spokesperson for Thomas Cook said it could lead to people booking to go on holiday elsewhere, whilst a representative for the Majorca Hoteliers’ Federation said it could lead to ‘millions in losses’ for the economy.
