Latest on tourist tax in Mallorca

SPEAKING on behalf of the Mallorcan government, Marc Pons responded to criticisms of the tourist tax that had been voiced at the Fitur fair in Madrid, by saying that bookings were not suffering at all as a consequence of the tax to be introduced from June 1. Far from any harm being caused, he noted that indications from Fitur were that the coming season promises to be a very good one.

He confirmed that draft legislation was being produced and that there is no intention of backing down on the matter. He went on to make it clear that the introduction of the tax was to improve the Balearics as a tourist destination. 

Vice-President Barcelo also announced that the regional government would like see an amendment to current legislation, so that tax incentives would encourage businesses to stay open in the off-season. 

The president of the association for tourist attractions, Antonio González was quoted as saying: “We want to be able to recover the tourism from November to February, and if the government helps businesses to boost their activities, there will be more jobs. It is important that we have an active and dynamic tourist destination both in the high and the low-season.”

He did however accept that the tourist tax would be implemented, and the president of the association for smaller businesses acknowledged that by imposing this tax, the government was looking for quality rather than quantity as far tourism and ongoing business is concerned.