At a time when Europe is losing nightclubs, festivals are disappearing and the young public is changing its consumption habits, going out and drinking less than previous generations, Ibiza continues to grow. This is what Yann Pissenem, co-founder of [UNVRS] together with the Matutes Group of Companies, says in an exclusive interview with La Voz de Ibiza.
For the businessman, the island maintains a unique strength because it is “the mecca of electronic music in the world“, a destination that no international clubber fails to consider in his itinerary.
Pissenem recalls that in countries like France, in a few years “we have gone from eight thousand discotheques to about one thousand four hundred“.
He also notes that festivals and historic venues have closed in Germany and the UK, a symptom that “younger generations are not going out as much,” staying at home more and consuming less alcohol.
This trend, he stresses, does not affect Ibiza in the same way, a destination that feeds on international travelers, not local leisure. “I don’t think Ibiza is going to suffer so much from this,” he assures.
Aspirational clubbing and iconic destination
The explanation, according to Pissenem, is simple: “Ibiza is aspirational and iconic for clubbers around the world“. The reason lies in the type of public the island attracts: travelers who plan an entire summer around parties, residences and cultural offerings.
He also insists on the importance of variety: “People don’t come to Ibiza to go only to Ushuaïa, Hï and [UNVRS]. They come to have a varied offer”. That diversity avoids saturation and allows all clubs to maintain their space within a solid international demand.
Young people’s behavior and the role of technology
Pissenem points to a generational shift: “Young people don’t drink alcohol and don’t go to nightclubs as much.” Digitalization and new consumer habits are transforming the industry, he recalls, and phenomena such as artificial intelligence will further change the landscape in the coming years. Still, he stresses that Ibiza is not affected in the same way because its audience base is global and stable.
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A look into the future: more free time, more leisure
The entrepreneur adds a factor that many overlook: the reduction of working hours in some countries. He cites the case of Finland, which is moving toward four-day weeks: “
“If you want to dance, you can’t do it at home. You have to go somewhere “He is convinced that this transformation will benefit destinations such as Ibiza.
Pissenem acknowledges that there are challenges: digitalization, the decline of traditional leisure in Europe and changes in youth culture. But he insists that Ibiza’s position is unique: “I think we’re going to continue to have that strength at the clubbing level.”
In his analysis, as some of the world’s entertainment retreats, the island maintains its appeal thanks to an ecosystem of professional clubs, a recognized brand and an experience that cannot be substituted from home.
