MALLORCA TODAY - New Balearics tourism law

Ok, sort of as you were when I posted the original article re the main points of the new tourism law.

Voting was 32 in favour, 19 against with four abstaining.

Here are some of the main points.

1. Hotels can be converted to other use, such as to condohotels or residential apartments, but on the condition that fundamental redevelopment of buildings is undergone.  A 5% tax will be raised on the value of the redevelopment work which will be payable to town halls for use in modernisation of tourist areas.

2. Condohotels will have to be of a minimum 3-star or 3-key superior rating.

3. The law will permit whatever increase to the built area of current 4-star and 5-star hotels is possible, so as to allow for modernisation.

4. Final say on conversion of hotels will lie with town halls and their reports will be binding.

5. Hostels, pensions, camping sites, hotels of 1-star and 2-star and apartments of 1-key or 2-key will be given four years to modernise or will be closed if only temporarily pending modernisation.

6. Hotels which offer all-inclusive have to have a plan to meet specific quality standards. The taking out of food and drink from hotels by guests will be banned.

7. A general principle of the law is to promote conversion be it in urban or rural tourism areas. The law appears not to promote the occupation of more land as such.

8. New accommodation in rural areas, through conversion of existing buildings, will be permitted. This measure is part of a move to increase the level of agrotourism.

9. Fines for illegal accommodation will increase by 30%.