Support for tourist tax exemption for residents, but a demand to double the rate

The opposition believe the government will consider an increase

Payment of tourist tax in a Mallorca hotel

Payment of tourist tax at reception | Photo: Patricia Lozano

Andrew EdePalma01/10/2024 09:29Updated at 09:59

The coordinator of Més per Mallorca, Lluís Apesteguia, said on Monday that it will support the Balearic Government in exploring the possibility of exempting residents from payment of the tourist tax.

However, he added that his party wishes to double the current rate and that the Balearic Parliament needs to analyse this. This proposal would mean that the top rate in the summer season would rise from four euros per person per night for four-star superior and five-star accommodation to eight euros.

Also on Monday, the former tourism minister, Iago Negueruela of PSOE, said that his party is in favour of an increase, though not necessarily across the board. Negueruela pointed out that it is very difficult to apply exemptions because of European regulations.

When the sustainable tourism tax was introduced in 2016 by a Més tourism minister, Biel Barceló, the intention had been to exempt residents. But European rules on discrimination didn't allow exemptions except in special cases, e.g. residents travelling between the islands for health reasons.

Negueruela added that he believes the Partido Popular will consider the possibility of increasing the tax, despite having opposed its introduction.

Parliamentary spokesperson for the PP, Sebastià Sagreras, responded to this by observing that PSOE was now proposing an increase, not having implemented one when it was in charge of the tourism ministry. As to a possible increase, he said that it would be a matter for the social and political pact for sustainability working parties.

Balearic tourist tax

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Stan The Man | 10 months ago

If the proposed doubling of the Tourist Tax, was to fund a particular special project. E.g. A Desalination Plant. To provide much needed water to the Island. And it was explained to the Tourists, what the Tax was funding. Then I think it would be welcomed.

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