Local residents in Majorca have called for an increase in tourism tax as a way of combatting overtourism on the island. The Balearic island is a holiday hotspot for British tourists, who are drawn to the beautiful beaches and summer sun.

Mallorcan ‘nationalists’, who are part of the left-leaning Mes party have put pressure on the Baeleric government to double tourist tax rates, reports the Majorca Daily Bulletin. This additional income would try to diversify the regions local economy, so it would be less reliant on tourism.

This comes after complaints from tourists taht the island is getting too expensive following a rise in hotel prices.

The number of holidaymakers from Britain and mainland Spain fell by 10 percent and 13 percent respectively this year alone.

Locals are pushing for the tourist tax rate to be increased to eight euros a day for those staying in five-star acommodation, and six euros a day for people staying in four star accommodation. They argue that this additional revenue would be used to ease tourisms ‘environmental footprint’ on the island.

Protestors have argued that many other tourism hotspots have increased tourist taxes, and the proposed rate is ‘far lower than the one in the Balearics which caused much controversy when it was first introduced’, reports local news site Majorca Daily Bulletin.

The island made headlines earlier this week when business owners announced a labour shortage, leading to mounting pressure where some bars and restaurants were forced to reduce opening hours.

Pimeco association’s Carolina Domingo said: “Shops that have a bad season will simply not open. We are back to where we were years ago, with many parts of the island almost without activity in the winter months.”

The weak high season on the island placed pressure on businesses, which has minimised the possibility of many restaurants and bars staying open beyond October.

“If they have had a good season, they may well open in winter. But if they haven’t, they will think twice,” said Juanmi Ferrer, the president of the CAEB Restaurants Association.