Evaluating a seasonal fuel tax in a mass tourism destination: A case study for the Balearic Islands

This paper estimates the monthly aggregate demand for diesel oil and gasoline in a mass tourism region, characterized for a high level of seasonality. Using time series models, price elasticities are estimated with special emphasis in evaluating differences between seasons in order to assess the consequences of a fuel tax applied exclusively during the high season. Using the case study of the Balearic Islands (Spain) from January-1999 to December-2010 results from a partial adjustment model show a relatively low price-elasticity, evidencing how the internalizing mechanism that could be argued for introducing the tax in order to reduce transport externalities does not work. Additionally no statistical differences have been found between seasons for both fuels invalidating the argument that tourism activity reacts differently to host activity.

► Taxing gasoline and diesel oil fuels only during specific seasons is contemplated. ► Price elasticities are estimated evaluating differences between seasons in a tourist destination. ► No statistical differences have been found between seasons. ► The argument that tourism activity reacts differently to host activity is not valid.