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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Can we be made to pay this holiday tax in Majorca/Ibiza?

130 replies

DaisyArcher · 21/05/2016 08:58

We're off to Majorca in July and have just received this email from Thomson

Authorities in the Balearic Islands of Formentera, Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca have introduced a Sustainable Tourism Tax on tourists visiting the islands which the government will use to help preserve their natural beauty and cultural heritage

The charge of up to €2.20 per person, per night, on all overnight stays in tourist accommodation comes into force on July 1st 2016. It will be paid directly at your hotel and we would advise our customers to be prepared to pay upon arrival

It applies to everyone aged over 16. As we're going for 10 nights and are taking my nephew (16) and niece (17) that's going to add €88 (£68) to our holiday. What would happen if all Brits said 'no - were not bloody paying it!'

OP posts:
vickibee · 21/05/2016 09:01

Watch with interest we are going to Majorca in August 2 adults and dos aged 9 for 7 days

WordGetsAround · 21/05/2016 09:01

If you don't want to pay a country's taxes, don't go to that country. I know it's come in since you booked but laws change and all visitors need to abide by them.

ChairoftheBored · 21/05/2016 09:02

I suspect the hotel could ask you to leave - even visiting Brits are bound by local laws in the countries they visit...

LemonRedwood · 21/05/2016 09:02

Loads of places have taxes like this. We had the same in Ischia (Italy). Not sure there are any ways around it but would be interested to see if anyone has dodged it successfully.

witsender · 21/05/2016 09:03

What the others said. Yes, you should pay.

FeckinCrutches · 21/05/2016 09:04

It's got to be paid. No way around it really.

MissElizaBennettsBookmark · 21/05/2016 09:04

Rome has a similar tax. If you have a bill, pay it. Don't like it? Go somewhere else....

FeckinCrutches · 21/05/2016 09:04

Barcelona has it as well.

Wonkydonkey44 · 21/05/2016 09:04

Reminds me of when we went to the Dominican, because we hadn't gone to the welcome meeting we didn't realise we would be charged again at the airport once we left the country.

All we had was sterling as we'd been all inclusive and haggling whilst trying to check in at the air port wasn't great lol.

Think loads of countries are doing it now not sure if it's tourism tax or to line their own coffers !

soapboxqueen · 21/05/2016 09:05

I suspect the hotel will be liable for it if you don't pay it so it would be better for them to just kick you out.

Musicaltheatremum · 21/05/2016 09:05

We should have it here. Would bring in some revenue. I paid it in Italy recently. Can't be included in holiday cost as goes straight to government I believe.

Spartak · 21/05/2016 09:06

The hotel won't have any choice but to collect it. It's the same in Lake Garda. Just pay it.

somelikeitmild · 21/05/2016 09:06

I've been charged a departure tax in the past, definitely leaving Fiji and I think it was about $60 (US), and maybe leaving Brazil.

At least they're giving a reason for the tax. I'd just pay it.

Original poster
DaisyArcher · 21/05/2016 09:06

They've introduced the law after we booked the holiday. We're going all-inclusive and hadn't budgetted for this extra cost. If they want to preserve their natural beauty then they should use the money they already get from tourism.

OP posts:
MrsJayy · 21/05/2016 09:07

Im sure we paid a tax when we went to Florida was$50 or there abouts you really need to pay it I know its come in since you booked but what are you going to do say no when you get to the hotel it is the islands law

MrsJayy · 21/05/2016 09:08

Im sure you can save £68 between you all by july you are being stubborn

Shakirasma · 21/05/2016 09:08

Of course you should pay, taxes are not optional!

When I've stayed in Catalonia it's always been part of the check in procedure, I doubt you'd get your room key until you've paid it as I imagine the hotel would be liable for a penalty if they let guests stay without paying it.

You can't refuse to pay vat on your shopping so why do you think you should be exempt from tourist tax on your holiday?

HermioneJeanGranger · 21/05/2016 09:08

Pretty sure they can kick you out and cause a lot of problems for you if you don't pay it. Can't your brother or sister pay your niece and nephew's portion?

FeckinCrutches · 21/05/2016 09:10

So you wouldn't have booked the holiday for the sake of £68? I'm sure you're paying a fair whack for going all inclusive for 4 of you anyway.

FeckinCrutches · 21/05/2016 09:10

And can't your brother/sister split the cost if you're that stuck for the money?

AnyFucker · 21/05/2016 09:11

How ironic. You are going all inclusive which lines only the pockets of the rich hotel chain owners (often Russian billionaires) and contributes very little to the local economy.

You will have to pay the tax and lump it I am afraid.

GibbousHologram · 21/05/2016 09:11

If the government here introduced a tax would you think you didn't have to pay it because you've lived here from before it was introduced?

londonrach · 21/05/2016 09:12

Yes you have to pay. Lots of places we visited have had holiday tax added up. Its usually something minor like 2 euros a night per person. We always included it as part of the holiday. If you dont pay they kick you out and when you get to air port etc you be asked to pay what you owe.

whois · 21/05/2016 09:13

Yes you have to pay it! It's hardly an outrageous amount of money is it???

MrsJayy · 21/05/2016 09:13

Well exactly 10 days in July for 4 isnt exactly cheap you cant really say oh we are to poor to pay £68 get the kids parents to pay their share if you are worried about it eating into your budget