As of last week, Spain’s Balearic Islands have doubled their per-person tourist tax, which now tops out at €4 per day, with a 10% VAT on top of that. Yes, there’s a tax on the tax.
Labeled as the ‘Tax for Sustainable Tourism,’ the levy went into effect in July 2016, and is intended to pay for environmental costs such as road, sewage and water work, as well as preserving heritage and (wait for it!) investing in sustainable tourism, which might mean money for developers of ‘eco’ hotels.
The new rates for high-season (May through November) vary based on lodging: €1 for hostelers, €2 for cruise passengers and budget hotels, €3 for 3-4 star hotels and €4 for luxury rooms. Children under 16 are exempt. For a couple in a top hotel, the tax works out to €61.60 on top of their other expenses.
Once again we see a new tax to save the world ! Tree huggers will love this one !
No better way to reduce an activity than to charge more for it.
Wonder how much of an impact this will have on the small business owners of the area.
Adding $65 to the price of a vacation isn’t going to be a deal breaker.
But as the Comedian and Economist W.C. Fields said – “Never give a sucker an even break”
The photo doesn’t sell it to me, anyway …
I know just what you mean ProfessorAbe. The “Clothing Optional” Beaches on Ibiza can be a real pain !