01/09/2017 00:00
Changing attitudes towards tourism have led the Balearic government to double the rate of the tourist tax, which will mean that some people will be paying three euros per day from next summer. Three euros doesn't sound a lot but it all adds up, and unless the government clearly shows how the money is going to be spent on improving the holiday resorts then I suspect that there might be a backlash from tourists who could just vote to go elsewhere. Believe it or not these are difficult times within the industry and value for money is key. Turkey, Greece and other destinations in the eastern Mediterranean and mainland Spain could profit from this rather short-sighted move.
4 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
My wife and I have been coming to Palma Nova for the last 9 years. We came last year and begrudgingly paid the tourist tax and have booked to return in October, however we will be looking at a different destination next year.
Have a family holidfay booked for May next year in Santa Ponsa. Am already looking for a different destination in Europe, without the tourist tax. Can also see other families doing the same.
Personally,I have booked for Greece next year,the Greeks are very friendly towards the British,they always welcome you warmly and genuinely and there is a lot of history in Greece and I for one feel happy about spending my money in greece to get them through some difficult times.
We have an island full of families that live here. They use the beach in the summer and have visitors that come to stay, however these are not tourists. How is the island going to fund all these families whom have a job (95% of jobs are here because of the tourist industry) it is not just direct jobs. But the mechanics, the porter at the hospital, the chap who works at the ITV, the Le Roy Merlins staff etc - all have jobs because of tourism. The island struggled for 8 years during the recession. Of course no objection to the Tourist Tax as most were unaware of the cost when they arrived at their hotel this season. I foresee resorts like - Cala D'Or, Cala Bona, Palma Nova, Magaluf all struggling next season. The offering of tiny cramped rooms is still below par to many other countries, also many of the resorts look tired. Croatia is getting remarkable reviews.Socialist left wing thinking. The same happened 12 years ago when ago the Socialist party destroyed the island.