The Balearic Islands have just announced plans to increase their tourist tax and introduce a levy on rental cars as part of a series of new measures to tackle mass tourism. President of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, has formally introduced « tourism containment measures » and revealed plans to begin discussions with the different political parties on the islands to stop « uncontrolled overcrowding ». Among the measures proposed on Friday is an increase in the Sustainable Tourism Tax (eco-tax), a new levy on rental cars, and new restrictions on vacation rentals.
The eco-tax will rise between June and August, with a maximum charge of £5 per person per night for cruise passengers and general increases ranging from £0.85-£2.15 to £3.45-£5.10, depending on the type of accommodation. The local government is also planning a new tax on rental cars, which will vary based on the vehicle’s emissions level and the length of the stay on the islands.
A new tax would be introduced for rental vehicles and private cars, with fees ranging from £25.80 to £68, depending on emissions and the length of stay.
The local government also wants to implement penalties for illegal short-term rental properties will increase to up to about £440,000, though fines can be reduced if the property is converted into social or capped-price rental housing.
The local Balearic government said: « Both property owners and marketing platforms will be held responsible for any potential infringements. Moreover, fines are increased by 25% with penalties of up to €500,000.
« The government will now negotiate these measures with the different parliamentary groups to obtain the necessary support for approval in the parliament of the Balearic Islands. »
These proposed changes would affect the islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Regional Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Government of the Balearic Islands, said: « We have certainly reached our limit.
« For some time now, the Government has considered that the only way we have to grow is by doing so in quality and not in quantity, and we believe that it is possible to make a transition towards a more sustainable model that is committed to the environment. »
This comes following a protest last May, where around 10,000 people rallied across the Balearic Islands, and a larger demonstration in Palma de Mallorca in July, which reportedly drew up to 50,000 participants who called for more measures to protect natural resources, limit flights, regulate non-resident accommodations, and address rising living costs caused by mass tourism.
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