The Balearic Parliament has approved an eco-tax of up to €2 per day, effective from July 1.

The islands announced plans for the Sustainable Tourism Tax, intended to help preserve their environment, towards the end of last year.

It could add £80 to the cost of a two-week holiday for a family of four to the Balearics, which attract almost 3.5 million visitors from the UK each year.

The destination scrapped a similar tax in 2003 just one year after it was introduced, because it was deterring holidaymakers.

All overnight stays in “tourist accommodation” will be subject to the tax.

The tax costs from €1 per day for stays in one-star to three-star hotels and cruise ships, to €2 for stays in some four-star and five-star hotels.

Stays in high end apartments will also cost €1-€2 per day and holiday rentals and campsites will also fall under the tax.

Children aged under 16 will be exempt from the tax and during low season (November 1-April 30), there will be a 50% discount.

Tax payable by long-term holidaymakers will be reduced to 50% from the ninth day of their stay.

A final decision about which of the project proposals will be accepted will be taken by the Commission for the Promotion of Sustainable Tourism, comprising administrative representative from the different islands, business associations, trade unionists, environmental protectionists and others.

Source: http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/61066/balearics-approves-new-eco-tax-on-tourists