Hoteliers to cover cost of the tourist tax this year

This is no ploy to lure in early bookers, it is an honest attempt to ensure that people wishing to come on holiday to the Balearics or Spain will be able to find accommodation this year and that they are not forced to pay over the odds for the luxury. Spanish resorts face the threat of overbooking, as insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa, to where the large tour operators have just cancelled their entire summer programme, redirecting clients to the Canaries and the Balearics, is turning people away. So, the Majorca Hoteliers Federation has decided to try and soften the blow on holidaymakers this year and absorb the cost and the possible negative effect of the tourist tax, especially as the cost of the tourist tax has not been included in the cost of this year’s package holidays. For summer 2016, hoteliers have managed to increase their prices by between five and 20 per cent, so the majority of the large chains will be able to absorb the tourist tax while ensuring that the Balearic government raises its 50 million euros plus.

However, the concern is for the small independent hoteliers. They may not be able to cover the tax and will therefore have to face the consequences.