Mallorca raises tourist fees to curb summer overcrowding

The Balearic authorities are not slowing down in the fight against excessive tourism. The "sustainable tourism tax" is expected to rise soon.

The official amount hasn't been set yet, but the current rate may even double. If this happens, the additional fee for each day in a five-star hotel would increase from 4 to 8 euros (about $9), and in a four-star hotel, it would jump from 2 to 4 euros (about $4).

The increase will apply only during the peak season, from June to August. In other months, the tourist tax will be lower to encourage visits outside the holiday season. The authorities are particularly eager to boost tourist traffic between December and February.

"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," explains Marga Prohens, as quoted by the Majorca Daily Bulletin. Since hotels can raise prices, there is room also to raise the tax, she explained.

Hotel owners in Ibiza and Formentera did not support the tax increase. Ana Gordillo, the acting president of the Formentera Hotel Federation, said that "discontent is general" across all Balearic organizations. Such a tax increase is absurd, and its justification does not reflect reality. "There will not be more tourists in winter and fewer tourists in summer."

Mallorca's authorities also plan to introduce a car rental tax. The fee will range from 2 to 7 euros, depending on the miles driven. Longer journeys will cost tourists more. The money from this tax is intended for the development of public transport.