Cruise lines calling tourist tax illegal

THE association of cruise line companies in Europe, the CLIA, is calling the tourist tax unconstitutional and demand the government reconsider it.

Next year will be the first that the tax, also know as the eco-tax, applies to all cruise passengers. Cruise liners are threatening to boycott Mallorca and Ibiza unless tourist tax changes, which will charge €2 to €4 a day next summer.

The Europe branch of the CLIA, or the Cruise Lines International Association, is the largest cruise association in the world and its members make up almost all of the cruise industry operating in Europe. It brings together 45 companies, among which are the regular visitors to the Balearic Islands such as Aida, Carnival, Costa, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Thomson or Tui.

The association argues the fee is undemocratic and could force companies to leave the Balearics and find new routes. Before, passengers docked for less than 12 hours were exempt from the tax.

The CLIA is threatening to take the issue to court if changes aren’t made.