UK vacationers heading for Spain may face new £736 cost
Millions of people could be about to see a huge surge in the cost of holidaying in Spain
Holidaymakers jetting off to Spain could be hit with a hefty increase in costs under new proposals. It follows a call for a hike in the tourist tax levied on visitors to the Balearic islands.
The Balearic Islands consist of four main islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, along with the smaller island of Cabrera and about 150 other minor islets. Currently, Brits holidaying in Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca are charged a fee based on the quality of their accommodation and the time of their visit.
In peak season, tourists fork out €4 (£3.50) per person each night at a five-star hotel, €3 at mid-range lodgings, €2 for budget accommodations, and €1 at hostels. These rates plummet by 75 per cent during off-peak periods.
18 million Brits flock to Spain annually, making it our top holiday spot. It’s estimated that 27 per cent – nearly five million – of these travellers head to the Balearics, so any price alteration would have a substantial impact, reports Bristol Live.
One of Spain’s largest trade unions, the Workers’ Commission, is calling for an increase in this rate. They’ve suggested boosting this tax to €15 (£13) per person, per night in July and August. Sky News reports that this would mean four adults staying at a luxury resort for a fortnight would shell out €840 (£736) in taxes during the summer peak, a significant leap from the current €224 (£196).
This move is not only expected to generate revenue for the Government, but it’s also hoped to curb visitor numbers. Over-tourism has long been flagged as a significant issue for the islands, with numerous demonstrations occurring in recent years.
Many argue that it has pushed locals out of areas due to skyrocketing housing costs and a shortage of living space, as many flats are transformed into AirBnbs.
