Britons looking to vacation in the Balearic Islands next summer may encounter a potential increase in tourist taxes. The CCOO, a prominent trade union in the Spanish archipelago, has suggested raising the current tourist tax to €15 per day (about £13.08). This proposal would impact travelers from the UK visiting popular holiday destinations like Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, specifically during the peak months of July and August.
Currently, the Balearic Islands have a tourist tax ranging between €0.5 and €4 per day (around £0.44 to £3.49), varying based on the season and accommodation type. Children under 16 are exempt from the existing tax, and extended stays receive a 50% discount after the eighth night. The government allocates these tax funds towards sustainable tourism projects and preserving cultural heritage.
If implemented, the proposed tax hike would result in each adult paying approximately £91.52 in tourist taxes for a seven-night stay during the peak season. The CCOO clarified that the intended increase is not primarily for revenue generation but rather to discourage tourism influx. General Secretary José Luis García highlighted that the goal is to limit summer overcrowding by addressing both demand and supply dynamics.
In addition, the CCOO is urging the government to halt the creation of new tourist accommodations to reduce visitor numbers and attract higher-spending tourists. They also advocate for designating the islands as a “stressed area” and establishing 40,000 public housing units due to the housing crisis. These measures represent ongoing efforts to alleviate the strain of tourism on the Balearic Islands.
Recent years have seen anti-tourism sentiments escalating, with Majorca even being labeled as the least welcoming destination for British tourists in Europe. Protests have erupted across the islands, notably in Majorca, where demonstrators occupied beaches and expressed anti-tourism sentiments. Some travelers have voiced intentions to avoid Spain due to perceived hostility towards British visitors.
Feedback from visitors like Kevin Durkin and Linda Munro underscores growing concerns about overcrowding and negative experiences during travel to Majorca. The challenges faced at airport border control and the overall sentiment of unwelcome reception have influenced some tourists to reconsider future trips abroad.
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