Spain introduces “tourism tax” from July 1
If you’re planning on holidaying around Spain this summer, be prepared to take some extra cash.
You could be made to pay up to £70 in ‘tourism tax’ just for visiting the sunny destination.
Brits have been left furious after authorities agreed the new duty for ‘sustainable tourism’ in March, long after many had booked their breaks.
Yet whether you’ve booked it or not, you’re going to have to pay.
The new charge will come into force for anyone holidaying after July 1.
What does it mean?
The new charge means that when you arrive at your booked hotel, you’ll have to pay two extra euros to the hotel for each night you intend to stay.
It varies from hotel to hotel based on their star rating, so a 1* to 3* hotel would cost €1 per day per person, while a 4-5* hotel would cost €2
Though the charges half after the ninth day, it means a family of four with kids over 16 could have to fork out an extra £70 over a fortnight.
Where do the charges apply?
The charges apply to the Balearic Islands, which include Majorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca.
Villas, campsites and private houses are not exempt either.
People travelling to Malta will also be charged a new fee from June, which will be 40p per night, but this will be capped at five euros.
The funds are said to be going towards protecting the island’s natural resources.
But furious families in the UK feel tourism chiefs are just trying to profit from the rise in bookings to Spain following the decline of tourist destinations like Egypt and Tunisia, following terror attacks.
What British families are saying
Around three million British holidaymakers visit the Balearic islands, including the island of Formentera, every year.
Win Taylor, 70, from Derbyshire, found out about the charge after she booked a break to Majorca in September.
She told The Sun: ‘Our travel company sent us a warning email. We knew nothing about it.
‘By now most people have booked their holidays so they have us over a barrel. You feel like they are cashing in.’
Another traveller, called John, wrote on Trip Advisor: ‘So if it’s not the All Inclusive killing off the bars, the Spanish government are sticking the knife in too. To me it’s just utter greed.’
Source:Metro
