Brits dreaming of a summer getaway to the Balearic Islands next year have been warned about a potential increase in tourist tax. The CCOO, a leading trade union on the islands, has suggested raising the existing tourist tax to €15 per day (around £13.08).

This would impact Brits travelling to popular holiday destinations such as Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. The proposed tax would be applicable for stays during July and August, the peak months on these Mediterranean islands. Currently, the Balearics impose a tourist tax ranging from €0.5 to €4 per day (approximately £0.44 to £3.49). The tax amount varies depending on whether tourists visit during the high or low season, and the type of accommodation they choose.

Children under 16 are exempt from the current tourist tax, and there’s a 50% discount for longer stays, applied after the eighth night. According to the island government, this tax is used for initiatives like sustainable tourism and preserving cultural heritage.

The proposed hike would mean that each adult on a seven-night break in the peak season could face approximately £91.52 in tourist taxes.

The CCOO made clear that the higher tax being proposed wasn’t for the benefit of the islands, but rather to keep people away.

According to Majorca Daily News, General Secretary José Luis García said: “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. To reduce summer overcrowding, it’s not enough to curb demand; we must also act on supply.”

The news outlet also reported that the CCOO is calling on the government to halt new tourist accommodation places, with the goal of cutting visitor numbers whilst attracting higher-value tourists.

Because of the housing crisis in the Balearics, they also want the island declared a “stressed area” and for 40,000 public housing properties to be built.

The proposal represents the latest in a series of measures designed to ease the strain of tourism on the popular Balearic Islands.

During summer 2024, Majorca was branded the most unwelcoming destination for British tourists in Europe, with anti-tourism demonstrations highlighted amongst the factors behind the questionable honour.

The summers of 2024 and 2025 witnessed demonstrations throughout the islands, particularly in Majorca, where protestors took over beaches whilst displaying anti-tourist placards.

The Mirror spoke to readers who revealed they would be abandoning Spain owing to the protests and what they described as “anti-British sentiment”. Kevin Durkin, a seasoned traveller who has visited various Spanish destinations over the past 30 years, expressed his disappointment over the summer: “Over the last few years, the anti-British sentiment has just grown. Some bar owners have put up signs telling the British to keep away and some hotel owners don’t want us either.

“I do not need Spain, they can keep their latest charges and hatred of the British. I will not be back, neither will my friends or family. Adios.”

Meanwhile, Linda Munro shared her stressful experience of overcrowding at border control during her summer trip to Majorca: “My husband and I got through the scanners, no problem. However, the rest of the family had to queue for an hour and a half.

“On the way back, it was worse, as people were worried they might miss their flights home. Our family just made it on time. They all said they wouldn’t be back abroad anytime soon.”

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