Visitor figures to the Balearic Islands have slumped
because of a controversial eco-tax introduced just a year ago.

The tax, (around £12 million raised so far) paid
by tourists to the islands, started in May 2002 to counter the environmental
damage caused by mass tourism.

The levy proved very unpopular with families visiting
Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza or Formentera as it added as much as £70
to their total holiday cost.

The tax now looks likely to be abolished by the islands'
newly-elected government.