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Christian Eede
25 May 2023, 14:45

Ibiza tourists could face accommodation shortage this summer, says Balearic president

One local political party is also calling for a 60% rise in the tourist tax

Photo of a sunset in Ibiza

Tourists travelling to Ibiza this summer could face a shortage of accommodation options, with local politicians planning to introduce a ban on new holiday rentals.

In other plans being considered by Francina Armengol, the president of the Balearics, some hotels could be converted into social housing as the region of islands attempts to get to grips with a housing crisis in the area and control tourism more effectively.

A rise in Airbnb usage has driven up the cost of renting across Spain, particularly in popular holiday destinations like Ibiza, and many Spaniards have complained that it is becoming impossible to continue living there due to the soaring rental prices.

Speaking to business newspaper Expansion, and reported by iNews, Armengol said: "We propose zero growth in tourist, hotel and vacation rental places, maintaining the ban on vacation rentals in multi-family homes and to fight against illegal offers. We want to start buying obsolete one-and two-star hotels to eliminate them or convert them into officially protected housing."

Armengol heads up a left-wing coalition regional government with the parties Més per Mallorca and Unidas Podemos. She is standing for re-election in local and regional polls this Sunday (28th May).

In addition to Armengol's pledges, Més per Mallorca is also calling for a 60% rise in the rate of tourist tax in order to help drive further economic prosperity for locals. The tourist tax currently sits at €4 for those staying in luxury hotels, €3 for those in cheaper hotels or apartments, and €2 for cruise passengers.

One of Ibiza's best-loved clubs, Hï Ibiza, was this week voted No.1 club in the world in DJ Mag's Top 100 Clubs poll for 2023.