Your holiday to Ibiza is about to get more expensive
The government of the Balearic Islands is introducing a tourism cap
As if a trip to Ibiza didn't break the bank enough, things are about to get more expensive.
A new legislation is being introduced to put a limit on the amount of beds available for tourists on the Balearic Islands after residents have claimed increasing visitor numbers has affected rental prices.
Implemented by the Balearics' left-wing government, The Times reports the new law will cap tourist beds at 623,624. Within a few years, that will be cut by 120,000 more.
It will affect those looking to rent out rooms on Airbnb and Homeaway, too, with those letting expected to have a license. A fine of up to €400,000 may be payable if rules are broken.
As expected, there have been criticisms of the new legislation.
Tom Jenkins, chief executive of the European Tour Operators Association, said: “It’s very strange for an island like Majorca to come up with anti-tourism laws when it is vital to its economy. Political parties [appear to be] using tourism to further their political agenda.”
It's believed the increase in tourism on the islands is due to people not visiting countries such as Tunisia and Egypt because of security fears.
Earlier this summer, we estimated how much a trip to Ibiza will cost in 2017. In 2015, we investigated why water is so expensive on the island.
Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, follow him on Twitter