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The controversial tourist tax looks set to be off the political horizon for at least another year. When questioned yesterday after her meeting with Balearic leader Francesc Antich about the tax Council of Majorca President Maria Antonia Munar said “as its not going to be introduced before 2002.....” Say now more Señora Munar.

Is the tax being quietly ditched? No, probably not but now the Balearic Government will have sometime to do their homework and win the hearts-and-minds of local hoteliers who naturally oppose the charge. Its not going to be an easy task and Sr. Antich knows that unless he has the support of the industry he can almost forget the so-called tan tax Taxes are never popular but Antich has done plenty of harm to his government and to the Balearics with this controversial surcharge which has been a public relations nightmare.

Until three months ago the government didn't even know how they were going to levy the charge. Endless speeches by ministers appeared to mean that holidaymakers were to blame for everything.

But perhaps the “tax issue” will have taught Antich and his team a lesson. Don't make bold announcements on controversial subjects unless you have done your homework.

By Jason Moore