The tenth Golden Moon Awards gala, held at the SH Valencia Palace hotel and hosted by DJs Anna Tur and Judge Jules, brought the 5th National Nightlife Congress and the 10th International Nightlife Congress to a close. More than 65 international experts participated in two days marked by debates on sustainability, safety, innovation and the future of a key industry for destinations like Ibiza, which once again shone brightly in this year’s awards.
The island reaffirmed its position as the global capital of nightlife entertainment. In this edition, Ibiza placed seven venues among the top 100 on the planet, highlighting the historic rise of [UNVRS], which received the Golden Moon Award for “World’s Best Club 2025” in its first year of opening. Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa Ibiza consolidated Ibiza’s dominance by occupying the second and third positions in the international ranking.
This achievement, which once again places the island at the top, confirms the strength of a model built on innovation, excellence and a unique ability to attract millions of visitors each season.
Recognition of collective effort
The manager of the Ibiza Leisure Association, José Luis Benítez, described the new international recognition as “a success that goes beyond the dance floor”. In his speech he stressed that Ibiza once again demonstrates its status as a global benchmark in the music and entertainment industry: “There are many good clubs, but Ibiza concentrates several world-class, and that makes us unique”.
For Benítez, this achievement is the result of a “collective effort, talent, constant innovation and the conviction of entrepreneurs and workers who believe in what they do against all odds”, underlining the sector’s capacity to adapt to an increasingly competitive global market. “We are facing a collective, structural and sustained success over time and I especially congratulate all our local partners,” he added.
Benítez insisted that leisure is a strategic driver for the island’s economy and a differential value that reinforces the international positioning of the destination. In this sense, he encouraged the sector to continue deepening in quality, coexistence and sustainability. “The success of leisure is the success of the Ibiza brand,” he said, recalling that the island combines sun and beach, gastronomy, culture, sports, family tourism and nightlife entertainment in a model that must continue to evolve to generate well-being for residents, workers and visitors.
The manager also mentioned the pending challenges, such as the need to extend the season, stabilize the workforce and strengthen the social and sports commitment of companies in the sector. He highlighted the work being done to combat illegal accommodation and intrusion, which he described as factors that aggravate the lack of affordable housing and the pressure on infrastructures, generating tensions that affect residents, workers and tourists alike.
In this context, he called for greater professionalism and collective responsibility to preserve the Ibiza brand and ensure that its growth translates into a more balanced and sustainable destination.
The sector’s agenda
The National Congress and the International Nightlife Congress brought together leading speakers who discussed key topics such as immersive technology, business models, security, diversity and marketing strategies. One of the highlights was the intervention of Yann Pissenem, founder of The Night League and creator of Ushuaïa, Hï Ibiza and [UNVRS], who shared his vision on the evolution of nightlife through large-scale productions and immersive experiences that attract millions of visitors every year.
Also of special relevance was the round table dedicated to the impact of leisure on the economy and tourism, moderated by Benítez and with the participation of the Consell d’Eivissa.
The work of the Ibiza Leisure Association
The Ibiza Leisure Association, founded in 2014, continues to work as a link between companies in the sector, institutions and social groups. Its work focuses on promoting excellence, promoting a model of coexistence with the resident population and strengthening the commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
It currently brings together 36 companies linked to musical entertainment, strengthening a business network that supports one of the most influential pillars of the Ibizan economy.
