Clubbers heading to Ibiza this year will find themselves out of pocket thanks to the new ‘Sustainable Tourist Tax’, effective from July.

 
Dubbed an ‘eco tax’, the Balearic government says these charges will protect resources on the islands. The charges will cover Malta and all of the Balearics, including the largest islands: Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca.

Visitors aged 18 or over will have to pay around £11 a week on top of their original hotel fee on arrival, but this will vary by accommodation type. Luxury hotels are expected to cost an extra €2 per night, while hostels are likely to be much cheaper, at around 50 cents per night.

Cash-strapped clubbers may want to opt for cheaper accommodation this year to avoid these steep fees. ABTA, the UK’s largest travel association, has suggested this tax will unintentionally drive tourists away from the islands. They agreed that protecting the natural environment is important, but warned that placing the burden on tourists is not a sensible way to fund conservation efforts. ABTA also stated they would write to the Balearic government, informing them of these criticisms, though it appears this had little effect.

The ‘Sustainable Tourist Tax’ will be payable from July 1 2016.

Header image by athinaf – Ibiza rock ‘volcano’, CC BY 2.0