The Consell de Ibiza has announced a historic allocation of the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS) to fight against intrusiveness on the island, with an initial investment of 4.2 million euros by 2025. This initiative, promoted by the president of the Consell, Vicent Marí, seeks to strengthen the regulation of illegal tourist rentals and irregular transport, problems that in recent years have generated strong criticism among residents and the hotel sector. This is the first phase of a three-year project that has a total budget of 22.2 million euros and will be managed jointly with the five municipalities of Ibiza.
A coordinated effort between institutions
The implementation of the project contemplates the expansion of human and technical resources at the Office for the Fight against IntrusivenessThe implementation of the project contemplates the expansion of human and technical resources in the Office against Trespassing, in addition to the reinforcement of the local police forces in each municipality. Marí stressed that this measure represents “a step forward in improving the quality of life of residents and the quality of the tourist product in Ibiza”, responding to the demand for greater regulation in the tourism sector and the complaints of citizens affected by the proliferation of illegal rental housing and unregulated transport services. The investment allows the Office for the Fight against Intrusion to have more specialized personnel to carry out inspections in tourist homes and detect unauthorized rentals in multi-family properties, a practice prohibited in tourism regulations and now also in the urban planning legislation of Sant Josep, Sant Antoni and Sant Joan, a measure already applied by Santa Eulària and Vila.
Projects to improve tourism and heritage
This funding is in addition to the other 12 projects presented by the Consell de Ibiza and approved in the same call, all aimed at strengthening the sustainability and tourist attractiveness of the island. These include projects in the areas of waste treatment, modernization of tourist facilities and heritage recovery. The projects, which have a total allocation of 11.7 million euros, include the remodeling of the Waste Transfer Station with an investment of 2.2 million euros, phase II of the modernization of the Fairgrounds with 524,774 euros, and the creation of an Intangible Heritage Center in Ses Nou Rodades, with funding of 1.8 million euros. On the other hand, Santa Eulalia del Río will receive 5 million euros for the second phase of its Conference Center, while Sant Antoni de Portmany will get 4.9 million euros for beautification projects and safety improvements, aimed at consolidating its image as a quality tourist destination.
A firm commitment against intrusion
This allocation marks a milestone in the use of the Sustainable Tourism Tax, which since its creation in 2016 had not been directly earmarked for tourism regulation. In statements during the X Ibiza Tourist Housing Congress, the island’s director of Tourism Promotion, Juan Miguel Costa, stressed that this effort seeks to respond to the growing pressure experienced by the island, especially in high season, when its population of 160,000 inhabitants doubles, reaching figures of up to 340,000 people. Costa also stressed that, thanks to these new regulations and the cooperation between the Consell and the town councils, an inspection and sanctioning structure is being consolidated that will make it possible to curb the activity of those who do not comply with the regulations in force. “With the entry of these funds, owners who offer illegal tourist rentals will have to assume the consequences and pay the established sanctions,” said Costa, who called on all institutions and citizens to collaborate to maintain a responsible and orderly tourism on the island.
Ensuring the sustainability of tourism in Ibiza
Vicent Marí emphasized that the purpose of these investments is to ensure that tourism on the island remains in line with sustainability and the quality of life of its residents. “We are making progress in protecting Ibiza’s identity and strengthening an economy that respects both those who visit the island and those who reside there,” the president concluded. The implementation of this project represents a change in the administration of the Sustainable Tourism Tax, and its impact over the next three years could define a new standard for tourism management and sustainability in Ibiza.
