Public consultation begins today on the new tourist tax for Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.

Balearics tourism officials say the tax, which is due to come into force on July 1, will add up to 1% to the price of holidays to the islands.

The travel trade industry has already condemned the plans for the tax and pointed to the fact that the islands tried to impose an eco-tax of €1 a day back in 2002, but dropped it quietly just a year later.

Biel Barcelo, vice-president of the Balearics and minister for tourism, said the tax was ‘far less than the near 6% the hoteliers have increased their rates by on average this year’.

Speaking to the Majorca news website, Majorca Daily Bulletin, he said the tax would fund the ‘preservation and protection’ of tourism in Balearics.

He said the islands were simply following the lead of scores of European countries which already charge a tourist tax.

The tax applies to anyone staying overnight in a hotel, holiday home or cruise ship and depends on the category of accommodation.

For example, it’s €2 a night for four and five-star hotels and apartments, €1 for cruise ships and 50 cents for campsites or hostels.

Children under 16 are exempt and the tax will be halved on the ninth day of any stay.

Officials expect the tax will raise around €60 million each year and say it will all be reinvested in the industry.