The Balearic Islands will mobilize 350 million euros collected through its tourist tax, which in the Balearic archipelago is called the sustainable tourism tax (ITS), as announced this week by the President of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in Berlin.
The Balearic administration defines as a general purpose "to raise funds to minimize the impact of mass tourism on nature and the environment through the necessary investments for the conservation of nature" and five specific axes.
Who pays the ecotax in the Balearic Islands?
All those staying in a tourist establishment in the region must pay the amount of the ecotax, whether they are residents or not. Children under 16 years of age are exempt.
How does it work?
The price of the ecotax varies depending on the category of the tourist establishment, the number of guests and the duration of the stay.
In low season, for example, only 75% of the tax is paid and when stays exceed 8 days, 50% is paid from the ninth day.
How much is paid according to the tourist establishment?
The fee amounts to 4 euros per night in hotels and aparthotels of 4 stars superior or more, as well as in tourist apartments of 4 keys and more. 3 euros per night are paid in hotels and aparthotels of 3 stars superior and four stars, as well as in tourist apartments of 3 keys superior.
The cost is 2 euros per day in hotels and tourist apartments of lower categories, as well as in vacation homes, rural accommodations and tourist cruise ships. In hostels, pensions, inns, campsites, shelters and refuges, 1 euro per day is paid.
How does the money get to the Government of the Balearic Islands?
Although the ecotax is paid by the guest, it is the responsibility of the host to collect it and send it to the Tax Agency of the Balearic Islands through the corresponding forms.
What will the Balearic administration spend the money collected on?
The projects will revolve around five axes: sustainability; water; destination improvement; training, and projects to deseasonalize tourism.
The sustainability projects include the circular economy and energy efficiency, while in the water section, the Balearic Government plans to adapt the infrastructures to current needs.
The projects for destination improvement refer to investments in improving public facilities and modernizing tourist areas. Money will also be allocated to training workers to "offer a quality service requires a commitment to trained professionals."
The initiatives to deseasonalize tourism will revolve around the promotion of sports and cultural activities.
