Hoteliers in Ibiza are Offering Last Minute Deals
Hoteliers in Ibiza are taking proactive measures to promote last-minute reservations due to a drop in tourist occupancy this season. Ana Gordillo, the president of the Hotel Business Federation of Ibiza and Formentera (FEHIF), states that last-minute reservations are failing, and it has become crucial for the hotel sector to fill in the available gaps. The decline in tourist demand compared to the same period last year, particularly in June, is causing concern for the upcoming months of the tourist season.
The Commercial Strategy Shift
José Antonio Roselló, the vice president of the Confederation of Balearic Business Associations (CAEB) for Ibiza and Formentera, explains that the sector is now adjusting prices with attractive offers to attract customers. Certain types of hotels have experienced a slowdown in reservations, partly due to increased prices. The price hike is a result of reforms and improvements made by some hotels to enhance service quality, leading to higher investments and production costs.
Managing Expectations
The practice of increasing prices has worked well in the past, but there is now a cap, and some establishments have halted this approach. The high expectations generated by good hotel occupancy data from the previous season have contributed to this situation. To adapt to the demand, the CAEB recommends making price adjustments and avoiding excessive pricing for the services offered.
Challenges from Illegal Accommodations
Ana Gordillo emphasizes that price fluctuations are also influenced by demand. She attributes the drop in June’s employment figures to the presence of illegal tourist accommodations, which compete with the official hotels. Gordillo believes that the rising arrivals at the Ibiza airport in June do not reflect in the hotel occupancy due to illegal rentals.
Impact on Tourist Nationalities
A statistical graph for June highlights a decline in German, French, and Dutch tourists compared to the previous year. However, despite this fall, the tourist season in Ibiza remains robust, as the island offers a diversified range of tourist activities and attractions.
The Role of Trade and Restoration
The commerce and catering sector also contribute significantly to the diversified tourism offer in Ibiza. Alfonso Rojo, the president of the Petita i Mitjana Empresa d’Eivissa i Formentera (Pimeef), notes that the drop in hotel occupancy has not affected tourist consumption. Tourists staying in unregulated accommodations pay less for lodging but make up for it with additional expenses during their stay.
Rojo laments the lack of control over unregulated accommodations, as these individuals are not registered in official hotel establishments. He advocates for more effective measures to address this issue and suggests distributing forms at the airport to identify where non-EU tourists are staying.
A Focus on Quality Service
Rojo evaluates the hotel sector’s response to the occupancy decline and acknowledges that hotels have prioritized income over the volume of tourists. They have invested in higher-quality services, targeting luxury travelers to offer a premium experience.
Conclusion
The hoteliers’ last-minute offers in Ibiza demonstrate their commitment to filling vacancies amidst the drop in tourist occupancy. The changing commercial strategy and price adjustments aim to attract more visitors and maintain a thriving tourist season. As the island continues to offer a diverse range of tourist experiences, the hotel and tourism sectors work together to ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay for all visitors to Ibiza.
