Adandoned ghost hotels in a popular Spainish hotspot could be set for a new lease of life – and it’s all thanks to tourist tax.
At the end of October, the Tourism Ministry of the Balearic Government will present a proposal to allocate 15 million euros (£12.5 million) of tourist tax revenue to the demolition of obsolete or abandoned tourist accommodation.
The proposal will be presented for approval at the meeting of the Sustainable Tourism Tax Commission where it is very likely to be approved, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
The principal aim is for the demolished sites to be converted into attractive public space, including gardens, parks or social facilities. There is also a possibility of building social housing.
Four properties have been earmarked including the Hotel Teix in Magaluf, the Hostal Colon in Peguera, the Topaz Apartments in Calas de Mallorca and a project in Sant Antoni in Ibiza.
Calvia Town Hall has approved the plans for Teix and the Colon, with the Teix having already been identified by the previous government under its scheme for eliminating obsolete hotels, but was not carried out.
There have also been attempts for the conversion of obsolete hotel stock into residential accommodation.
Increased property prices and a lack of affordable housing has been one of the key focuses of the protests in Spain this year – with locals feeling like they’re being pushed out by tourists.
Property prices in the Balearic Islands will rise by eight percent by the end of the year, according to estimates by mortgage brokers Trioteca.
“The Balearic Islands have the highest demand for housing in the whole of Spain,” said María Martos from Fotocasa.
She added: “The Mediterranean climate and its extraordinary natural environment make the islands a highly desirable place, both for local citizens and for foreigners with high purchasing power.”
Economist Pau A. Montserrat, a professor at the University of the Balearics Islands and a member of the Economics and Social Council, said: “Until we have a serious debate, without absurd ideologies but with appropriate economic knowledge, we will find ourselves with a very serious problem.
“If we do nothing, it will only be solved when no one wants to come as a tourist or come and live here.”
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