WHILE I have never supported the idea of tourists having to pay a tax to come on holiday I do feel that a considerable number of holidaymakers would be willing to give a voluntary contribution at the end of their holiday or stay. As we all know the majority of people who visit this island are Majorca lovers and want the island to remain as it is. I have always thought that the Balearic government would raise more money through voluntary donations than through the ill-conceived tourist tax, which thankfully is now being scrapped. One thing is making a voluntary donation the other is being made to pay. The same philosophy which was adopted for the tourist tax could be used with the money being used exclusively to improve resorts and safeguard areas of natural importance. I would also add that the cash could be used to ensure that the beaches are kept clean. The voluntary donation idea is still very much in the planning stage and so far the local government has not given their opinion. But perhaps the government should get involved. The various environmental groups could be charged with its collection and how it is spent. Then a series of donations could be made to worthy causes. I would say that a sizeable percentage of tourists are concerned about the same things as us residents: overbuilding, dirty beaches, decaying resorts etc. While we residents contribute through our taxes they in their own small way could contribute to improve the island. But as I said above, they are being invited to do so. It could be argued that tourists already spend enough but even a small donation, as long as it was well spent, could help maintain Majorca's beauty.
Keeping Majorca beautiful