The government of a Spanish island popular with British holidaymakers has insisted Brits “will always be welcome” – following an increase in tourist tax.

Mallorca is one of several regions in Spain and other European countries that have been rocked by protests against overtourism in recent months.

Residents of the island of Belaeric, visited by tens of thousands of Britons each year, have raised concerns over a number of issues including overcrowded beaches, rising housing costs due to the number of tourist rentals and ongoing infrastructure. built specifically to accommodate tourists rather than residents.

Tourists who stay overnight on the island pay the tax, usually a few euros per night, when staying in accommodation on the island.

The government of the Balearic Islands, which also includes Menorca and party destination Ibiza, has announced that the tourist tax per visitor will be increased during the peak summer months, potentially raising millions of extra euros.

The increase has caused some hoteliers and other businesses on the island to fear that British tourists will be deterred from visiting Majorca.

However, Jaume Bauza, the island’s tourism minister, said the money generated by the tax was being used to help fund around 200 projects across the island, which will “improve the lives of holidaymakers”, he said. declared the Ministry of Tourism. Majorca Daily Bulletin reports.

Speaking at the World Travel Market in London this week, the minister said: “It is worth noting that this strategy also means that we are growing more in value than in volume: today, the increase in tourism spending in our islands is double the increase in visitors.”

He added: “British people visiting our islands are always and will always be welcome.

“The tourist tax is going to be used to make the Balearics a better place for holidaymakers, with greater transparency on how the tourist tax they pay is used.”

Llorenç Galmés, President of the Council of Mallorca, was also present at the event in London and said the island was positioning itself as a “leader in responsible tourism”.

He said: “Mallorca has been a leading destination for years, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, we want to remain leaders.

“For tourism to continue to be a source of well-being and opportunity, we must evolve and adapt to the new challenges of the 21st century.

“Protecting our natural environment, preserving our culture, improving the quality of life of our residents and fostering harmony between residents and tourists are top priorities for Mallorca City Hall.”