21/04/2002 00:00
TW
0

Am I alone in finding Tiffany Blackman's replies to pertinent questions about tourism to be a complete smokescreen of platitudes? If people like her are to be responsible for spending the new Tourist Tax money, I expect that the environment will as usual take a back seat while the politicians instead spend the money on more ways to fog our minds.

Yours faithfully,

Steve Riches, Northampton (by e-mail)

Dear Steve Riches,

Thank you for taking the time to write and let us know your opinions. However, it is interesting that the editor of the Daily Bulletin is very happy with the response this column is getting, and has asked me to continue.

Dear Tiffany,

What is happening about the tourist tax? How is it going to be collected off the tourist? Is it going to be per person or is it per family? How much will the tax be? What happens if the holiday maker refuses to pay up?

Thanking you,

David Rimmer (by e-mail)

Dear David Rimmer,

David Rimmer The eco tax, whose introduction has been passed by the Balearic Parliament, will come into force with effect from 1st May this year. The tax is payable, per person, per night, by all adults and children over 12 staying in tourist accommodation. The rate of the tax depends on the grade of accommodation and ranges from 25cents for campers to two euros per person in a five star hotel. The average rate will be one euro per night in a three star hotel. Any person, including Balearic residents, staying in any holiday accommodation, will be obliged to pay the eco tax. I have no doubt that when visitors see or hear about the improvements we are making to the environment, they will recognise its value. And to answer your question about refusing to pay, it would be the same if someone refused to pay a restaurant or hotel bill. For further information on the eco tax, try our website - www.ecotaxa.org

Hi Tiffany,

Can you please clear up and verify the position of UK pensioners on whether they have to pay the Eco tax while on holiday in Majorca. My friends have different opinions on the wording of article seven of the tax so could you perhaps help some confused Brits and tell us exactly who is and who is not exempt.

Gracias por su ayuda.

Dave Pelinor, (by e-mail)

Dear Dave Pelinor,

The position of UK pensioners in relation to the Tourist Tax is no different to other groups of visitors, and they will be obliged to pay the tax in the same way, that is in accordance with the category of accommodation used.