British holidaymakers planning summer trips to Spain's Balearic Islands could face significantly higher costs under new proposals from a major trade union.
Proposed Tax Hike Details
The CCOO, a prominent Spanish trade union, has suggested increasing the current tourist tax to €15 per day (approximately £13.08) during peak months. This represents a substantial rise from the existing charges, which range from €0.5 to €4 daily depending on season and accommodation type.
The proposed increase would specifically apply during July and August, targeting the busiest period for popular destinations including Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. Under the current system, children under 16 remain exempt from the tax, while extended stays benefit from a 50% discount after the eighth night.
Deterrent Rather Than Revenue
Union leaders have made clear that the proposed increase isn't primarily about generating additional income. General Secretary José Luis García stated: "This is not an increase aimed at raising revenue, but rather a deterrent, so that the Balearic Islands send a clear message to the world that there's no room for more people here during the high season."
The CCOO is simultaneously calling for a freeze on new tourist accommodation licenses and demanding the islands be designated a "stressed area" to address the local housing crisis. Their proposal includes building 40,000 social housing units to alleviate pressure on residents.
Impact on British Travellers
For British tourists, the financial implications are significant. A seven-night stay during peak season would see each adult paying approximately £91.52 in tourist taxes alone under the new proposal.
The announcement comes amid growing anti-tourism sentiment across the Balearics. Recent summers have witnessed protests on beaches, with demonstrators displaying anti-tourist placards. Majorca was recently labelled the least welcoming destination for British holidaymakers in Europe, with some visitors reporting they won't return due to perceived "anti-British sentiment."
Tourists have also reported practical difficulties, including lengthy border control queues at airports. One traveller described waiting an hour and a half to pass through scanners, creating anxiety about missing return flights.
The proposed tax increase represents the latest in a series of measures designed to manage tourism pressure on these sought-after Mediterranean islands, where more than two million British visitors travel annually.
