The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) has presented a submission to the Balearic government regarding the regional budget for 2018. The association is specifically concerned with the application of the tourist tax to all cruise ships as from the start of next year. It is asking for the tax not to be applied, claiming that to do so would be contrary to law. It would be questionable in terms of constitutionality, be a violation of the principle of equality enshrined in the Spanish Constitution and also be discriminatory. The submission it has made to the government, which will probably go unheeded, is likely to open the way to an appeal for judicial review.
The CLIA is the largest cruise association in the world and represents the whole of the cruise industry operating in the Mediterranean and in Europe. There are forty-five member companies. These include ones that are regular users of Balearic ports, such as Aida, Carnival, Costa, Royal Caribbean and Tui.
The association is making clear that the tourist tax may well result in Balearic ports being dropped from cruise itineraries. Because of the tax, the Balearics will "cease to be a competitive destination for the cruise industry". The tax will be a financial factor for passengers but it will also influence cruise operators, which may well choose to stop over instead at ports where there is no tax.
Increased stability and security in the eastern Mediterranean, the CLIA adds, will mean cruise operators looking more favourably on ports that have been avoided in recent years. Balearic ports, as with tourism in general, have benefited from the instability, but as this is now less of an issue, the competitiveness of Balearic ports is threatened because of the imposition of the tax.
Just a few days ago, a report was presented which highlighted the economic benefit of cruise shipping to the Balearics. The direct benefit was put at 128 million euros per annum.
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Have I got this wrong ? Wasn't the intention of the tourist tax to reduce visitors in Summer. Well its worked if the cruise liners stop calling into Palma . I suspect these visitors spend very little on these trips on shore. Why should they when they are on all inclusive trips. If they increase the tax to say 5 Euro a day it will make all of them stop coming thereby solving the problem at a stroke. This will mean stopping the tax on those who actually come on holiday to Majorca on holiday.
Completely agree Veter. Cruise ships add minimal value (the recent figures are just lies damn lies and statistics) and maximum pollution. Just look up a pollution heat map online. I was amazed. I thought my kids were breathing fresh air here. Why anyone would red arrow you I can't understand. We are FULL. Enough tourists but not the right kind. The holiday rental legislation is the worst decision in the island's entire history (and I know about it, my dad used to fly charters here in the fifties). Hotel mafia rule. Too late now, we will grow old here and just watch further destruction. All is lost I'm afraid. Still, better than living inthe UK. For now.
Thanks God!!! The increasing number of cruise liners has already put Palma’s air contamination to the level of Barcelona and Marseille, the cities way bigger than Palma. Same time those passengers do not spend much on the city . Those liners serve only to the interests of a few oligarchs connected with the port while the Palma’s people inhale contaminated air and get cancer .
I wonder how many euro the rental sector will bring in next year compared to the past couple. We are going to mainland Spain for 2 of of our 3 holidays next year, first year for many that we haven't been to Majorca for all our holidays. They are usually rental apartments in various parts of the island. Two are now not available, as we don't like hotels we have too look elsware. Good luck to Jason and others like him as I think it's too late for next season as most people have to organise holidays well in advance.
If it’s unconstitutional this government is going to do it ! Just like the holiday rentals that brings in over 500 million euros every year ! Under constitutional law anyone can rent their property to who they want for how long they want....
The ALL INCLUSIVE Cruise Passengers , will not want to go to Palma, where shops are closed, and they have to pay Tourist Tax.