New Tax For Balearics

A tax of between 50 cents and 2euros per person per day is to be levied on tourists visiting the Balearic islands from the 1st July this year. The charge is dependent on the official rating of the property and applicable to all tourists over the age of 16. All travellers to Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera will be liable for the surcharge which will be paid on arrival at accommodations, Between May and October the upper rate of two euros will apply to five-star and four-star superior hotels and tourist apartments of four keys or four keys superior. Three-star superior and four-star hotels will be 1.5 euros, whilst one, two and three-star hotels will be charged at one euro. Tourist apartments with three keys will charge, 1.5 euros, and with one or two keys, one euro. Also included in the one euro rate are: cruise ships; rural hotels; agrotourism and interior tourism accommodation, whilst hostels, pensions and camping are all to be charged at fifty cents per day.
Between November and April all of these rates are discounted by 50% and after ten days of any stay, the rate is cut by 50%. Almost 80% of the revenue will come from hotels, but there is an 8% contribution for holiday rentals. Taxation from private properties saw a 38% increase last year, assisted by a programme of “regularisation” which added 54,000 new rental properties to the register. According to authorities the tax is to be used for a variety of purposes including the development of tourism infrastructure, training in the tourism sector, recovery of cultural heritage, promoting low-season tourism, research and development projects and investments in social and health facilities. Sixty per cent of the revenue is spread between the four islands (Majorca will get roughly 42-45% of this). The remaining 40% will be for other projects, The move is likely to prove unpopular with tour operators and visitors, however, the Government point out that he new tax is not like the old eco-tax (2002-2003) adding that Barcelona has successfully levied a similar tax of 0.72€ per person since 2012, aimed at sustaining and developing the more ‘mature’ tourist locations.

Seasonal Pastimes

Boating, cruises and watersports have taken off in a big way for 2016, with, seemingly every club event pre-partying on the (not so ocean-like) waves with only the sound of music from one of the top island DJ’s to disturb the peace . The variety of activities hosted by the calm waters surrounding Ibiza are endless. Who wouldn’t want to attempt a watery assault course just off the shore in front of San Antonio’s Ocean Beach Club? Or surf the Flowrider, the only artificial wave machine on the island, at the neighbouring Surf Lounge? Speedboat and parasailing veterans ‘Take Off” continue to expand the variety of adrenaline fixes on offer to thrill-seekers, whilst the more sedate can enjoy leisurely cruises out to the mystical Es Vedra and around the coastline against the backdrop of a singularly dramatic sunset, to the chilled sounds of mood music. Families can also enjoy the delights of a day out at sea, aboard glass-bottom boats sailing to the most popular destinations, taking in the scenery and stopping for a swim. Not forgetting the ever dependable water taxis, an institution the island could not thrive without. In June they begin to extend services between towns and beaches, creating a viable and enjoyable way to travel like a true holidaymaker

Gay Pride Is Back

This year, Ibiza Gay Pride returns to the capital for the second annual visit following a few years absence. From the 6th to 12th June ‘Full Colour’ provides a-week packed with activities. These include: art expositions, theatre and parties at Bora Bora, as well as the colourful event that is La Troya The Gay Pride March on 12th June will be the culmination of the week-long celebration of life and love that offers something for everyone. Last year’s event was said to have exceeded all expectations and created a a greater acknowledgement of the island within the LGBT community, according to the director of LGBT Ibiza Gay Pride, Antonio Balibrea. So this week of vibrancy and culture looks set to become a fixture on the island for many years to come.

Archaeological Workshop

Are your kids bored and craving some cultural stimulation? Ibiza town has an innovative solution to the tedium of holiday activities. From 1st June, children between five and fifteen years old, can participate in a new Archaeological Workshop taking place in the Puig de Molins Necropolis. The workshop, held in the UNESCO World Heritage site, includes a wealth of guided activities such as: Egyptian and Phoenician writing, mask making, theatre, site visits and even simulated excavations.The course, designed to ignite a passion for heritage in young ones, takes place in the mornings during June, July and August. The cost is 70€ and participants are divided into three age groups. So if the sun, snacks and swimming are not enough, sign them up for the summer school that brings history to life.