Ministers have called for other measures to be explored to curb tourism after the Balearic Islands' tourist tax was deemed ineffective. Jaume Bauzá, the Balearic Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, stated that the current tax and any future increase would have no effect on reducing visitor numbers. This response came during a parliamentary session when Lluís Apesteguia, spokesperson for the opposition party MÉS per Mallorca, questioned the government's approach.
Alternative Measures Proposed
MÉS per Mallorca suggested alternative strategies, such as a tax on car hire companies or higher water charges for large consumers, as more effective ways to manage tourism. Apesteguia noted that President Marga Prohens had committed to these measures two years ago but failed to implement them. He asked, 'In the year ahead, will we see them, or are they being abandoned for good? I think it is important to know whether you are definitively abandoning the ITS increase.'
Minister's Response
Bauzá, who supports the tax but excluded it from the austerity decree due to Vox's demands, criticized Apesteguia for focusing solely on the tax increase. 'We are all aware that the mere introduction of the tax has had no effect whatsoever on tourist arrivals, and its increase would have no effect either,' Bauzá said, as reported by the Majorca Daily Bulletin. He dismissed fears of a tourism decline, emphasizing that the sector remains vital to the archipelago's economy.
The minister also addressed economic diversification, noting that the tourism sector drives the economy and that reducing its GDP share is a matter for businesses. He agreed with Apesteguia on the need to regulate entry points like Balearic airports and noted that hospitality establishments largely comply with local produce requirements.
Political Tensions
Apesteguia has been critical of the government's tourism policies, arguing they fail to curb overcrowding and advocating for degrowth. Bauzá retorted, 'Listening to him is always interesting, not because he enlightens me on tourism, but because I always end up learning a lot about apocalyptic literature.' The minister defended his record, accusing the previous left-wing government of inactivity and claiming his administration has implemented a policy of 'restraint and limits.'
Current Tax Details
Majorca's Ecotax is a mandatory fee ranging from £0.85 to £3.40 per person per night, depending on accommodation type and season. Five-star hotel guests and cruise passengers pay £3.40 during high season (May 1 to October 31) and £0.85 in low season. Guests in one- to three-star hotels and rental properties pay £1.70 or £0.45, respectively. Children aged 15 and under are exempt.
