of change
A sustainable tourism tax is funding projects to protect the Balearic Islands’ heritage, reportsDavid Golledge
DESTINATIONS BALEARIC ISLANDS | SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
f
rom talk of flight shame and single-use plastics to the latest exploits of
Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion, environmental concerns have become a firm fixture on the news agenda and a key concern for consumers. But what are destinations doing to turn the talk into tangible action? The Balearic Islands government has a history of tackling big issues head on, as demonstrated by its clampdown on alcohol at all-inclusive hotels, and its introduction of a sustainable tourism tax in 2016 was no different. While many destinations have imposed a tourism tax, the Balearics’ is levied with the specific aim of investing in initiatives that alleviate the negative effects of tourism across Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, often in areas of the islands that holidaymakers may not visit. Vicente Torres, of the Balearic Islands tourism strategy agency, tells me the tax was brought in
to ensure visitors contribute to the “recuperation of the natural environment”, with the funds spent on historical and cultural projects. At the time of its introduction,
the reaction from UK trade bodies was robust: Abta urged a rethink, and Clia warned that cruise lines would reduce visits to the islands. Torres acknowledged that local hoteliers didn’t much appreciate the introduction of the tax either, fearing it would make the Balearics less competitive. However, he says time has shown that this has not been the case. The tax is levied at a rate
ranging from 25¢ to €4 per adult per night, depending on the season and standard of accommodation. It has all added up to a substantial amount – both for holidaymakers and for the government – with €104 million raised in 2019 and €270 million since the tax’s inception.
Having invested in 170 initiatives during that time, with more in the works this year, could this ²
travelweekly.co.uk 18 MARCH 2021 33
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