The Balearic government said that the tax would rise in the summer and fall in the winter but gave no ffurther details.
The move is set to cause some controversy because Mallorca is already considered an expensive holiday destination. The Balearic government had been seeking ways so that local residents didn´t pay the tax (only tourists). However, this would break European Union law so they will be offered tax relief.
Five-star and four-star superior hotel guests at the moment pay four euros per day per person while four-star and three-star superior hotel guests are charged three euros during the summer months. There is otherwise a two euro charge.
A tourism official said: "Since July 1st 2016, the Tax for Sustainable Tourism is levied on all overnight stays in tourist accommodations on the Balearic Islands. Thanks to the contribution, we are able to make major investments to compensate the territorial and environmental impact of tourism on Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera..."
However, there has been some controversy how the money is spent. Initially it was said that it would be used to improve holiday resorts and ease the environmental footprint of mass tourism but it has been used to pay for projects in the agriculture sector.
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MyselfExactly, who knows. I doubt the local politicians do.
Richard PearsonPresumably that’s why we (residents) will be offered tax relief, i.e. a deduction when submitting our annual tax returns. I doubt the EU could consider that to be illegal, but who knows?
When traveling on the Soller train ? This was subsequently deemed illegal under EU law. I wonder if the same will occur with the eco tax.
Morgan WilliamsThis was not the experience I had whilst recently booking (and paying) for a room for a family member. A price was quoted and agreed upon. It was the same price as the one quoted online, except that I was offered free breakfast to seal the deal. At no time was the eco tax mentioned. It was only after I contacted them to enquire about its cost was I told how much it would be, and was told that it could be paid after my family members arrival. To get a second opinion, I asked a friend who is in the trade, to be told that all prices quoted do not include the eco tax, which in his organization is paid when his guests are leaving. As for the proposal for residents not to be charged to pay this tax, have they forgotten about the kerfuffle a few years ago in regards to the discounts residents received
Oh good , somebody in a suit is going to be able to buy an even bigger villa and maybe a yacht with these ill gotten gains .
It may be a separate line item on the invoice, but it's EU law that the TOTAL price, including all taxes and fees is presented at booking time, and they are obliged to pay the total price given. So, they pay it at booking time (or whatever other payment arrangements have been made, but it's included in the total price they agree to and pay). We don't collect it separately. It's a line item on the invoice though. I'd be surprised if most people even know they're paying it, unless they look at the breakdown on the invoice. It's not exactly a fortune anyway (OK, maybe a point of contention for those seeking the cheapest, but it's still in the price they agree to, and there's nobody holding a gun to their head demanding they book it).
The todo incluido’s won’t like this having booked all inclusive then having to cough up a shed load of cash when they rock up at reception.
That'll work. Not.
Zoltan TeglasBut how does this address the problem of overcrowding? And where goes it go!? Once again more money for the back pockets of the powers that shouldn't be! It doesn't get spent on improving infrastructure. Will they be building underground reservoirs or desalination plants to deal with the huge increase of water usage during the tourist season with this extra money? I bet not!!!!
Zoltan TeglasIs this the same tourist tax the PSOE said they would use for environmental improvements....