Tourists planning a trip to the Balearic Islands will soon face higher costs if proposed new taxes and regulations go into effect. On 7 March 2025, Marga Prohens, president of the Balearic Islands government, introduced a series of “tourism containment measures” aimed at addressing the negative impacts of overtourism. The measures focus on increasing visitor taxes, regulating rental accommodation, and imposing new levies on car hire and cruises.
The most notable change involves an increase in the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS), which will rise from €4 (£3.36) to €6 (£5) per person per night during the peak season. While visitors in the winter months of January and February will be exempt from the tax, the rates will surge during the rest of the year, particularly in summer. The increase could see taxes hike by up to 200% depending on the type of property.
In addition to the accommodation tax, tourists may face an additional €70 in charges for a two-week vacation due to these new measures. The price of rental accommodation may also increase as the government proposes a ban on new tourist rentals in residential apartment buildings. To combat unregistered rentals, booking platforms will be required to display a registration number for every listing, with hefty fines—up to €500,000—levied on those that fail to comply.
Car hire prices are also expected to rise, with new fees ranging from €30 (£25) to €80 (£67), based on factors such as the vehicle’s emissions and the duration of the rental. Both cars hired locally and those brought to the islands via ferry will be affected by these increases.
Cruise passengers will not be exempt from the new regulations. The cost for cruise ships docking in the Balearics will rise significantly, with fees for passengers increasing from €2 (£1.68) to €6 (£5) per night.
These proposals are a direct response to growing concerns from local residents about the negative effects of tourism, including overcrowding, increased living costs, and the depletion of resources like water. The Balearic Islands have seen a rise in protests and anti-tourist sentiment in recent years, with incidents of vandalism and clashes between locals and visitors.
Despite the hikes in tourist fees, the Balearic government is also offering incentives for local residents. Those who book domestic holidays within the islands will benefit from an income tax reduction of up to €250 per year, encouraging locals to support the tourism sector while alleviating some of the pressure on the islands.
The Balearic Islands’ government frames these measures as essential for managing tourism sustainably while protecting the well-being of residents.
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