During the General Policy Debate at the Island Council of Ibiza, President Vicent Marí stressed the growing need to regulate the balance between tourists and residents, declaring that “more does not mean better.” He noted the emergence of a new social awareness calling for sustainability and controlled tourism growth.
Marí outlined a comprehensive strategy centred on three pillars: sustainability and fighting illegal activity, care for people, and continuous improvement of local infrastructure. One major milestone is the vehicle control law, which has already blocked 12,000 unauthorised rental cars from circulating on the island.
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Vicent Marí calls for a new balance between tourism and local life in Ibiza
He also presented a robust action plan against illegal practices, funded with €22 million from the Sustainable Tourism Tax. Collaboration with global platforms like Booking and Airbnb has led to the removal of thousands of unlicensed listings. At the airport, over 1,000 hours of inspections have resulted in 27 vehicles being seized and 38 dismantled for operating illegally.
In terms of tourism planning, 9,000 vacant accommodation units have been eliminated. A new regulation will generally prohibit tourist rentals on rural land and promote water and energy efficiency. The island also launched the “Ibiza Family Moments” brand to attract family tourism and activated a Tourism Intelligence System (SIT) that offers real-time data for strategic decisions.
Regarding housing, over 1,000 units are being developed on land provided by the local council, and new urban zones have been unlocked to boost affordable housing for residents. Waste management has improved significantly, with recycling rates increasing from 17% to 43% over five years, aided by a €16 million investment in Ca na Putxa and a pioneering agreement to transfer waste to Mallorca’s Son Reus plant.
Marí also announced a record €1 million in scholarships for higher education, benefiting hundreds of students, especially those studying off the island.
Finally, he revealed that a second mobile vehicle inspection unit will be deployed, and private operators will be allowed to offer the ITV service alongside public centres, ensuring user choice.
“We are committed to the present and future of Ibiza,” Marí concluded, emphasizing the need for effort, responsibility, and dialogue to shape a more sustainable and livable island.