The poll that had been running on the website regarding the tourist tax has now closed. The final result from almost 1500 responses was (with figures rounded up or down) 81% no to the tax, 16% in favour and three per cent indifferent.
Given some of the comments you have been posting to the website, the result was not surprising. What was noticeable about the poll, however, was that initially the rejection of the tax was over 90% but gradually the number in favour increased. Was this a reflection of the arguments being put forward by the regional government? Maybe, maybe not. The fact remains that it is still unclear precisely how the tax revenue will be spent, while - and again drawing on your comments - there is an overwhelming feeling that the tax will be bad for Majorca and for its tourism.
And yet, as can be seen from the report which says that the UK tourism market will be heading to the Balearics in its droves next summer, the tax appears not to be a deterrent. (Though one might ask how widely known about it is.) The enthusiasm for the Balearics in 2016 is driven, however, by anxieties regarding other destinations. As such, the tax is probably of minor significance in guiding holidaymaker decisions, certainly in the short term, and tourism markets other than the UK's appear similarly immune to its potentially prejudicial effect.
In Majorca itself, and so among Majorcans, there is a far greater level of support for the tax. Typically, those in favour are in the majority, and well in the majority, though there is a majority rejection of island residents having to also pay the tax for staying in tourist accommodation. As to the use of the tax, the regional government's own survey indicates a great preference for environmental protection. The tax, in the eyes of Majorca therefore, is akin to the old eco-tax that was introduced in 2002 and then discarded the following year when there was a change in government (back to the conservative Partido Popular).
Government representatives, notably the finance minister Catalina Cladera, have said that talk of an eco-tax is wrong, and the principal purposes for the tax, as outlined in the draft law, establish that the environment is just one potential target. What these targets will ultimately be, though, will depend upon the final text of the law and the deliberations of the commission which is to be established to oversee the spending of the tax revenue. This commission will be weighted in favour of the government, with others, such as the hoteliers and unions, having less representation.
Thank you for your interest in the poll and also for your ongoing comments and so contribution to the tourist tax debate.