The government of a Spanish island popular with British holidaymakers has insisted Brits ‘will always be welcome’ – following an increase in tourist tax.
Majorca is one of several areas of Spain and other European countries that have been rocked by protests about overtourism in recent months.
People living on the Belaeric Island, which is visited by tens of thousands of people from the UK each year, have raised concerns about a number of issues – including overcrowding on beaches, rising costs for homes due to the number of tourist lets and infrastructure being built specifically to accommodate tourists rather than residents.
Tourists staying on the island overnight pay the tax, typically a few euros a night, when staying at accommodation on the island.
The government of the Balearic Islands, which also include Minorca and party destination Ibiza, has announced the tourist tax per visitor will be increased during peak summer months – potentially bringing in millions more euros in revenue.
The increase has led to concerns by some hoteliers and other businesses on the island that British tourists may be deterred from visiting Majorca as a result.
However, Jaume Bauza, the island’s minister for tourism, has said the money being generated from the tax is being used to help fund around 200 projects across the island, which will “make it better for holidaymakers”, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports.
Speaking at the World Travel Market in London this week, the minister said: “It should be noted that this strategy also means that we are growing more in value than in volume: today, the increase in tourist spending in our islands is double the increase in visitors.”
He added: “The British who visit our islands are always and will always be welcome.
“The tourist tax is going to be used to make the Balearics a better place for holidaymakers which greater transparency about how the tourist tax they pay is used.”
Llorenç Galmés, the President of the Council of Majorca, also attended the event in London and said the island was positioning itself as a ‘leader in responsible tourism’.
He said: “For years, Mallorca has been a top-tier destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, we want to remain leaders.
“For tourism to continue being a source of well-being and opportunities, we must evolve and adapt to the new challenges of the 21st century.
“Protecting our natural environment, preserving our culture, enhancing the quality of life for our residents and fostering harmony between residents and tourists are absolute priorities for the Council of Mallorca.”