Visitors to the Balearic Islands will now face extra charges during their holiday after a new tax came into force on 1 July.

The new ‘Sustainable Tourism Tax’ has been brought in by the local parliament to help preserve the environment across the islands given the large number of tourists who visit on a yearly basis.

The tax applies to the major tourist destinations of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera and will operate on a sliding scale depending on what accommodation tourists are staying in – and for how long.

Those staying in a one-three star hotel can expect to pay €1 per day over the course of their stay, rising to €2 per day for anyone in a four-five star complex.

Guests in apartments, holiday rentals and campsites will also have to pay the new tax, as will anyone heading ashore from a cruise ship docking in the islands.

Children under 16 will be exempt from the charge, whilst those travelling out of season will benefit from discounted rates. Anyone on a break of more than nine days will also benefit from a reduced rate from the ninth day onwards.

Payment of the new tax will be made at individual hotels either when guests check-in or as they prepare to depart, with the money then being passed on to the government.