In a bold move to manage the overwhelming influx of visitors, Marga Prohens, the President of the Balearic Islands, has announced plans to increase the overnight tax, known as the “Ecotasa,” during the summer months on Mallorca and its neighboring islands.
This strategic tax hike aims to deter budget tourists, particularly from the UK, as the island grapples with the effects of mass tourism. Travelers seeking cheap flights to Mallorca may reassess their options as holiday prices rise and new measures take effect.
Mixed Reactions to the Proposed Changes
The proposed changes, set to be formalized in a legislative decree by February, also include reducing the tax in winter months (December to February) to encourage off-peak tourism. Introduced in 2016, the Ecotasa aims to fund environmental protection projects and mitigate the impacts of excessive tourism.
Reactions to the tax increase have been mixed. While vacation rental owners welcome the rise, believing it will attract higher-quality guests, critics, including the Mallorca Hotel Association, argue that legitimate businesses may suffer. In contrast, illegal rentals continue to operate unchecked.
Additionally, there are concerns about how these changes will impact overall Mallorca vacation expenses. The government’s measures also extend to restricting new rentals in apartment buildings and raising water taxes for major consumers like hotels, while small users will enjoy tax relief.
Rising Mallorca Holiday Prices and Travel Costs
Rising costs in Mallorca are causing holiday prices to be projected to soar by 33% compared to the previous year, making trips to Mallorca more expensive. With ongoing inflation at 5.8%, travelers face increased Mallorca travel costs. This price surge is part of a broader effort to limit the number of budget travelers, with tourism director Lucia Escribano stating that the island is “not interested” in low-cost visitors.
Similar actions are being taken by other Spanish destinations like Lanzarote, which recently declared itself a “tourist-saturated area.” Mallorca’s government is committed to reassessing its tourism strategies to ensure a sustainable and high-value visitor experience.
As these changes unfold, travelers seeking to make the most of their Mallorca experience can rely on OneAir. Our platform is dedicated to helping you find the best flight and hotel deals tailored to your budget, even amidst rising holiday prices. With easy price comparisons and hassle-free booking, OneAir ensures you can plan your next adventure without breaking the bank.
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