The EcoTax for Ibiza
Today the Balearic Government which controls the islands of Ibiza, Formentera, Majorca and Minorca has approved the the bill of sustainable tourism tax or the “EcoTax” as it has become widely known as.
The idea of the EcoTax is to raise much needed funds for the promotion of sustainable tourism and conservation of natural areas. A committee with representation of political institutions and social partners will determine where the money raised will go in due course.
The rates and exceptions are as follows although it will not apply until the 1st of July in 2016:
High Season (May – October) Per Person Per Night.
- 50 cents (about 40p) for campsites and hostels.
- 1 Euro (about 80p) for rural hotels, domestic tourism accommodation, holiday apartments up to 3 keys and for up to 3 star hotels and hotel apartments.
- 2 Euros (about £1.60) for cruise ship tourists, 4 and 5 star hotels, 4 key holiday apartments and residential accommodation rented through tourist companies.
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From the 9th day of stay the tax will be reduced by 50%.
In the low season (November – April) the tax will be reduced by 50%.
The tax will not be charged to those under 16 years of age or,
Those travelling by force majeure or,
The staff of tourist accommodation or,
Displaced patients and their companions and users of social tourism programs.
The EcoTax is necessary to keep the islands sustainable for the future.
Although this may put you off booking a stay in Ibiza or visiting the Balearics in perspective:
Paris has had a city tax on those visiting the City since September 1919 and charges between 0.22 cents for the lowest rated campsites up to a whopping 4.40 euros for its top flight accommodation.
The Catalonia region of Spain has a two tiered system for those staying in Barcelona who currently pay between 65 cents and 2.25 euros and outside of Barcelona pay 45 cents up to 2.25 euros depending on the accommodation.
In reality for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) staying in an average hotel or apartment in Ibiza for 1 week in high season the extra charge will be 15.40 euros (the EcoTax plus 10% IVA) which at today’s exchange rate is £12.50.
It’s a small price to pay to help protect the beauty and wonder of Ibiza for years to come so that we, our children and our children’s children may enjoy the island we all love so much.
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Is this because other destinations. i.e… Turkey, Tunisia and Greece, etc. are not has popular because of terrorism and refugees, the authorities in the Balearics believe they have a captive market ?
The ecotax has been coming for several years and is irrelevant of world politics and problems.
The downside for ibiza is although they will generate 30% of the ecotax income they are only getting 13% back to spend on sustainable tourism.
It’s ok if they use the income for what it’s for . But we will never know .
This is wrong .
Ibiza is a great destination for young an old . so plenty of holiday makers , plenty of cash
Greed springs to mind !!