Mallorca's rising tourism costs: New taxes challenge visitors
The fight against excessive tourism continues as visiting Mallorca becomes more expensive. The island's authorities are introducing a new fee. The "sustainable tourism" tax will also see an increase.
17 October 2024 12:22
The Balearic authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to combat excessive tourism. An increase in the "sustainable tourism tax" is anticipated in the near future.
Additionally, up to CAD 11 per night in a hotel
The official amounts are yet to be finalized, but current rates may double. If this occurs, the additional fee for each night in a five-star hotel would rise from 4 to 8 euros (around CAD 11), and in a four-star hotel from 2 to 4 euros (around CAD 6).
The increase will only apply during the peak season, from June to August. In the remaining months, the tourist tax will be lowered to encourage visits outside the holiday period. The authorities are particularly eager to boost tourism between December and February.
"The tax allows us to balance the impact of mass tourism on Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera," explains Marga Prohens, as quoted by the Majorca Daily Bulletin. "Since hotels have the capacity to raise prices, there is room to also raise the tax," she added.
The decision to increase the tax has not been supported by hoteliers on Ibiza and Formentera. "The dissatisfaction of hoteliers is widespread across all Balearic organizations. Such an increase in the tax is absurd, and its justification is not reflected in reality. There will not be more tourists in winter and fewer tourists in summer," reported Ana Gordillo, representing the industry.
Car rental tax
The authorities of Mallorca also plan to introduce a car rental tax. The fee is expected to range from 2 to 7 euros, depending on the distance travelled. Longer trips will cost tourists more. The revenue from this tax will be allocated to developing public transport.
