Visitors to Majorca could see an increase in the price of their holiday next year, following the decision by the Balearic Islands' autonomous government to introduce an environmental tax.
The tax, which will average €1 (about 78p) each night will be charged to tourists staying on Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza from next year. It will be levied on a graduated scale, from €2 (£1.57) for each tourist a night in five-star hotels, to 25c (19p) a night for camping sites. Children under 12, pensioners and disabled people will be exempt.
Irish travel agents will not absorb this new tax, the Irish Travel Agents Association said yesterday. Mr Brendan Moran, the association's chief executive, did not believe people would no longer go to Majorca. "The tax is not that big and it will not affect this year's holidays."
An estimated 10 million tourists visit the islands every year.