Majorca sending 'wrong message' to UK tourists warns Jet2 boss

UK holidaymakers could be put off visiting popular destinations like Majorca if tourist taxes are increased and “they get the impression” that they’re not wanted there, the boss of Jet2 has warned. The CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2Holidays Steve Heapy has said that measures such as tourist taxes can “send out the wrong message” to holidaymakers.

In an interview with Majorca Daily Bulletin, the travel boss warned that tourist taxes pose “a lot of risk” potentially impacting demand. This in turn can have a knock-on effect on the local economy.

His comments come after months of on-going debate in Majorca and other popular Spanish holiday destinations about the role of tourism. In the spring and summer several demonstrations against mass-tourism were held in the island as locals voiced concerns over the impact of visitors on aspects such as the environment and rising house prices due to holiday lets.

READ MORE: Manchester Airport's £18 winter sun destination with ‘sea, sand, pubs and pizza’

Majorca’s president Marga Prohens has acknowledged that limits need to be set when it comes to tourists. In October the government announced a proposed hike in tourist tax on a seasonal basis.

President Marga Prohens said the measures are a “tool” to use for the “regulation of tourist flows”. Speaking in parliament, she said that the tax could be increased in the “high season” months, but would be lowered over the winter.

But speaking to Majorca Daily Bulletin, Mr Heapy warned that this can have a negative impact. He said: ”Introducing a tax such as this comes with a lot of risk, as it can impact demand. Tourism is such a huge part of the economy, so to tax it sends out the wrong message to customers.

“If you give the impression that