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The Balearics attract millions of tourists (Image: Getty)
British holidaymakers planning a cruise to the Balearic Islands face paying more money, as the islands' government plans to increase tourist tax rates. The Spanish archipelago is a very popular destination for cruise ships, with business growing every year.
In the first nine months of last year, 584 cruise liners docked in the Balearics, marking a 2.5% rise compared to the same period in 2023. Spain welcomed in total a staggering 12.8 million cruise passengers in 2024, underscoring its status as a leading destination for the global industry.
Spain welcomed in total a staggering 12.8 million cruise passengers in 2024 (Image: Getty)
Yet the country has seen a furious backlash against visitors, with tens of thousand of people attending anti-tourism protests last year to complain about the effect mass tourism is having on their lives.
The demonstrations has prompted local officials into taking action to try and contain visitor numbers, in a bid to placate public anger.
On Friday, the government of the Balearics unveiled its roadmap to creating a sustainable model for tourism on the islands.
One proposal put forward is to charge cruise ship passengers the maximum tourist tax rate.
The levy will rise from €2 (£1,68) per night to €6 (£5,04) per night during the peak cruising season.
Anti-tourism protesters demonstrate on a beach in Majorca (Image: Getty)
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Other measures put forward include a ban on tourist flats, and the introduction of a new tax on short term car rentals.
Marga Prohens, the Balearic president, formally presented the "tourism containment measures" on Friday.
She is embarking on a round of discussions with local political parties, in an attempt to secure support for her plans.
The Balearics remain a top destination for visitors from all around the world, who flock to the islands in the summer.
More than 15 million visitors descended on the islands last year, including just over 3.5 million Brits.
The Balearics - made up of the four islands Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera - found themselves at the centre a number of anti-tourism protests last year.
Activists from the Menys Turisme, Més Vida (less tourism, more life) movement are planning more demonstrations this year.
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