Plans to increase tourist taxes in the Balearic Islands this summer have been temporarily abandoned, according to local reports. The proposed seasonal hike, which would have seen visitors pay higher rates during the summer months, was part of a response to anti-mass tourism protests across the islands last year.
President Marga Prohens confirmed that the increase “will now not be implemented” this summer, citing a lack of parliamentary majority. Only the right-wing party Vox was willing to support the measure, but they requested no financial measures, including a tourist tax rise.
The current maximum tourist tax is €4 per night per person at five-star and four-star superior accommodation, with exemptions for under-16s. Four-star and three-star superior hotels charge €3 during summer, and other categories €2.
The news comes as the Balearic Government prepares to approve a tourism decree this Friday, lifting the moratorium on tourist accommodation places. A temporary pool of around 90,000 holiday rental places will be created until island councils agree on maximum numbers. President Prohens stated the government “advocates containment, not decrease”.
The Mallorca Hoteliers Federation criticised the decree as “scandalous and incomprehensible”, arguing that removing holiday rentals would help address the housing crisis. Prohens said the decree would include strong measures to tackle illegal holiday rentals.
