Green group hits out over Balearics tax

Green group hits out over Balearics tax

AN ENVIRONMENTAL group has added its voice to protests against the Balearic Islands’ move to impose a 62p-a-day green tax on tourists.

The levy, which aims to generate £14 million a year to fund infrastructure and environmental improvements, is due to be introduced next summer.

But Green Globe 21, a sustainable tourism lobby group with international backing from governments and businesses, described the tax as a “double-edged sword”.

Group chairman Geoffrey Lipman said: “Unilateral taxation without a clear process showing how the money is to be used is a dangerous precedent.

“We support action to make destinations sustainable, but we do not believe an arbitrary tax is the way to do it.”

Lipman said money raised by the tax should be accounted for publicly to ensure it is spent on improvements for communities and tourists.

The new tax has already come under fire from local hoteliers and airport operators, who would have to collect it.

A legal challenge is pending, and UK tour operators have held off from including the tax in next year’s brochure prices until the issue is resolved (Travel Weekly April 16).