Association of British Travel Agents spokesman Keith Betton said that could be enough to deter tourists in a highly price-sensitive market. People have gone there as cheaply as they possibly can for a number of years. Spanish tourism officials have been trying to shrug off the Balearics' 'build high, get them in cheap' image by upgrading hotels and facilities. The money could be used to prevent sand erosion in some overdeveloped coastal areas, which was leaving them without beaches, she added. Both Abta and large tour operators have condemned the tax for being selective and only being charged on hotel clients rather than tourists going to private villas.
Hoteliers plan to appeal against the measure, which is unlikely to be imposed before next year.
It has not been decided how the tax will be levied. It is an eco-tax which, if applied correctly, can't be a bad thing,' he said. Millions of UK tourists visit the Balearic islands every year with the majority heading for Majorca.