The Sardinian regional government yesterday imposed a package of taxes on second homes, private yachts, aircraft and even hotel rooms. The Times


Renato Soru, the centre-left president of Sardinia, has fought a year-long battle to pass the 'luxury taxes' in 'the playground of the rich''

The proposals were opposed not only by the rich and famous but also by businesses, which fear that visitors will go elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Soru hopes to raise more than £500m from the taxes, most of which apply from this summer and aim to limit tourist numbers and second-home ownership. He is targeting the super rich who tend to stay on the opulent Costa Smeralda, a prohibitively priced 10 km stretch between the gulfs of Cugnana and Arzachena, developed with the backing of the Aga Khan.

However, the hotel tax will also hit tourists who stay at more modestly priced resorts on the other side of the island.