Category: Local News

Es Vedra Goat Slaughter

 

After almost 25 years the fabled goats of Es Vedra have now been eradicated from the small islet that lies off the west coast of Ibiza. 5 females and 1 male were introduced to Es Vedra in 1992 however the Balearic and Island governments have now decided to get rid of them to “recover the native flora of the rock”. 

After consultation it was decided that the best way was to kill them rather than remove them so yesterday (4 Feb 2016) environmental agents sailed over to the islet and at 8am began shooting all the helpless creatures. By 2pm their grisly task was complete although they will return today to ensure that none were missed in the cull. 

The slain animals will be left on Es Vedra to decompose naturally as it was also deemed too dangerous to remove the carcasses even though this is technically against the law (according to Ley 8/2003 de Sanidad Animal).

Caterina Amengual, Director of Natural Areas and Biodiversity for the Balearic Department of Environment (belonging to the environmentalist coalition ‘MES per Mallorca’) said “it’s a question of priorities and the conservation of ecosystems is a priority. We have an obligation to protect natural areas”. 

The Ibiza Insular Minister of Environment, Miquel Vericad of GUANYEM EIVISSA, congratulated the Balearic Government for the decision to remove the goats commenting “We have a duty to protect our heritage, which makes it unique to Es Vedra and Ibiza.”

Some local residents are very upset about the decision especially as the same government recently proudly announced that the Balearics were ‘anti-bull fighting’. Ibiza residents are well known for their love of all animals so they are decrying this as double standards.

The goats of Es Vedra could be clearly seen from sailing vessels and were part of the myth and aura of the rock. I myself have spent many hours moored around Es Vedra trying to convince friends aboard that the goats actually existed. Sometimes we left without seeing them but many times we were able to spot some of the herd carefully traversing the steep rock face. It’s an extremely sorry end to a story that I often told and always put a smile on my face (especially when I was proved right over the doubters).

The Balearic & Ibiza government have been unequivocal in saying that this was the best course of action in protecting one of Ibiza’s most famous landmarks but a small light has gone out on the mythical rock and you can’t help thinking they have taken the easiest and cheapest option. Delivering death to Es Vedra is not good Karma but the environmental experts know what they are doing after all, don’t they?

Food Glorious Food: 10 Traditional Ibiza Dishes You Must Try

This past Sunday saw the “Arroz de Matanza World Championship” in San Antonio where 40 teams competed to impress the judges with their version of one of Ibiza’s most famous traditional rice dishes. Cati Ribas of Sant Gertrudis Driving School won for the 3rd consecutive year in what was a fantastic festival of food and drink that was enjoyed by over 2000 people eating and drinking to their hearts content.

San Antonio – Jan 2016
In celebration of Ibiza’s fine food tradition here’s 10 local delicacies that originated on the island using local produce and which still continue to this day.

STARTERS

1 Ensalada Payesa  

Made from potatoes, roasted peppers and boiled eggs and combined with sliced ​​onions, fresh tomatoes and olives this tasty starter can be accompanied by dried fish in oil. Perfect for the warm summer months

2 Sobrasada  

The main pickings from the “matanza” (slaughter of the family pig- see arroz de matanza) sobrasada is made from the lean meat of the pig and some belly pork, all minced and mixed with paprika, salt and spices. It’s heavy and hearty and is quite delicious as a starter or snack on warm toasted bread.

MAINS

3 Arroz de Matanza

Arroz de Matanza is one of the most distinctive, rich and tasty dishes from Ibiza’s gastronomic history. Mixing rice with pork and herbs in a rich sauce it was usually eaten only once a year using the leftovers from the ‘matanza’ (when Ibicencan families traditionally slaughtered their pig in December to give them enough sustenance for the cold winter months, one large pig would give out enough food for a family to survive).  Now this typical dish is served daily in many restaurants on the island.

4 Sofrit Pages

Veggies look away now! A delicious dish using lamb, chicken, pork, sobrasada and potatoes prepared in a large skillet with spices and garlic. Recipes change from family to family but it’s a great comfort food and hangover cure but don’t count the calories as it’s not exactly your 5 a day. One plate is usually more than enough. Guilty pleasure!

5 Bullit de Peix 

The definitive Ibiza dish for fish lovers carefully prepared using different types of fresh catch in a stock. Part soup, part casserole, part stew depending on your viewpoint but always amazingly tasty. This is a delicacy nowadays and prices can be high but if you are a foodie then this dish really needs to be tried to be believed.

DESSERTS 

6 Flaó  

The definitive traditional Ibiza dessert with its distinctive flavour and soft texture made with eggs, fresh cheese (or cottage cheese), aniseed and mint leaves. Eaten as a dessert or an indulging mid-morning accompaniment with your tea or coffee.

7. Orelletes  

These biscuit type sweets are named after their shape that resembles an ear. Made with flour, lemon zest and aniseed, fried in oil and dipped in lots sugar (who needs a diet anyway!).  Traditionally made for Easter but now easy to find throughout the year. Eaten as a dessert or snack and usually accompanied by a glass of sweet wine or herbias.


8 Greixonera 

Ibiza’s version of good old bread and butter pudding which is made from leftover ensaimadas (a local sweet bread). Normally served as the desert on a local ‘menu del dia”. Heavy and hearty and the perfect precursor to an afternoon siesta. You are in Spain after all. 

WINE AND LIQUEUR

9 Vin Payes 

The islands’s take on your dads homebrew originally made for the long winter months as an accompaniment for the matanza on the cold winter nights. Homemade dark red wine made with grapes crushed by the feet of the local younger generation. Add gaseosa (lemonade) for a fruity cocktail that ‘gets the job done’.

10  Hierbas Ibicencas

A true marmite of liqueurs, very sweet tasting, you’re gonna either love it or hate it!  Made and produced in Ibiza by local distilleries using herbs from the island. If/when you get the taste it will become part of your Ibiza culinary experience with most restaurants offering you a shot of hierbas on the house at the end of your meal.

So not only is the white isle blessed with amazing beaches and scenery, over 300 days of sunshine every year and a world famous nightlife scene it also has some of the best family restaurants in the Med.


Ibiza Beach Bed Backlash

  
Trouble is brewing for beach clubs and restaurants who continually charge large amounts of money for sunbeds on public beaches.

Since the new year there’s been a growing noise on the white isle led by the left wing Guanyem political party and also local journalists who say that these ‘high end’ beach establishments are privatizing public spaces and have no right to charge such sums of money when it clearly states that there is a maximum amount that can charged per sunbed. 

Currently beach establishments pay for the beach concession but have guidelines to what they can and can’t do. Some get round the maximum charge by offering a ‘minimum’ spend’ per sunbed serving food and drink such as sushi, champagne and other luxury items whilst the clients are relaxing in the sun. Now some of the local population have had enough and say that if these clients want to eat and drink then they should go into the private part of the restaurant and not do it in the public area of the beach. They feel they are being excluded even though the beach is a public area where they just want to lay down their towel and have a swim. 

With Ibiza relentlessly heading towards a more upmarket crowd and with the big shift of political power in the last local elections from right to left it seems inevitable that something will have to give sooner or later.

Sant Josep Mayor Josep Mari Ribas has already bowed under pressure and promised to decrease the number of sunbeds and parasols in his municipality by 900 and remember Sant Josep covers major beaches such as Cala Bassa, Cala Tarida, Cala Jondal, Las Salinas, Es Cavallet and Playa d’en Bossa. Sr Mari Ribas has also categorically stated that large ‘Balinese’ style sunbeds are not allowed on public beaches. Even Vicent Torres, president of the island council, has weighed in saying that the situation “completely distorts the coastal landscape of Ibiza”.

So as we approach summer don’t be surprised if there’s a sacrificial lamb or two along the way as the town halls pay lip service to those who got them elected. Vive Le Revolution 

10 Things you MUST do in Ibiza in 2016

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now that the festivities are finally over it’s time to focus on the summer. New year/new goals as they say so here’s a few suggestion of what you can do this coming year on the White Isle.

1. CLIMB TO ES VEDRA VIEWPOINT JUST BEFORE SUNSET

Photo:Piers Dupoy

Time to get spiritual and be drawn to the ‘magnetism’ of this stunning mesozoic limestone rock rising over a quarter of a mile from the ocean. If you are of an emotional disposition then take some hankies and be careful not to propose to the person next to you.

Cost: Zero investment for priceless memories

2. COMPLETE A 3 DAY BENDER WITHOUT SLEEP

Photo:Daddy’s Got Sweets

Relaxing pursuits are all good and well but Ibiza without excess is like Jack Daniels without Coca Cola so throw caution to the wind and don’t stop until your voice has gone, your mouth is full of ulcers and your credit card can take no more, health permitting of course. Note:mobile phone likely to go missing

Cost: How long is a piece of string and who are you partying with? Try Clockwork Orange Ibiza 2016 – the original hellraisers

3. DRESS LIKE A HIPPY AND EXPERIENCE FLOWER POWER

Photo:Stephen Mills

Ibiza is hippy at heart so pull on your flares, put flower chains in your hair and experience one of the many flower power festivals throughout the year; San Antonio in Jan and Oct, San Jose in March and Pacha and Destino during the summer. Peace out Man!

Cost: A trip to a charity shop and the loss of your inhibitions for a night

4. WALKING TOUR AROUND THE EDGE OF THE ISLAND

Photo:Walking Ibiza

All those tracks, coves, beaches and hidden gems that you never even knew existed. There’s so much more to Ibiza than sun, sea & party, you just have to care enough to bother. This is the REAL Ibiza!

Cost: 15-99 euros will give you enough dining stories for a lifetime – see Walking Ibiza for more details

5. SOUND WALK AROUND D’ALT VILA (IBIZA OLD TOWN)

Photo:IbizaTravel

This world heritage site is the heart of the island and you might think that you know the old town but not until you hear first hand of its history can you truly appreciate how far the island has come over the last thousand years. Let international actress Paz Vega guide you through the streets

Cost: Rent an Audio Tour from the Ibiza tourism office

6. A RELAXING DAY AT A SPA

Ibiza is known for excess buts it’s also famous for holistic spirituality and relaxation. Your body needs recuperation and there’s nothing better than a relaxing day at one of the many spas now on the island.

Cost: Massage from 40 euros with Kerry or a full spa day at Atzaro for 120 euros including a delicious lunch


7. WATCH AN IBIZA SUNRISE

Photo:Claire B

Catching the sunset is easy but the sunrise is more of a challenge. Set your alarm or stay sober enough to experience a modern day wonder as night turns to day on the worlds most famous party island. Watch out for the walk of shamers on your way home.

Cost: A long siesta if you take the 2nd option

8. DANCE SEMI NAKED AT A BEACH CLUB

Photo:Oliver/Gayton

A few over priced beers and a bottle of French plonk should start the process nicely. Stop sneering and start enjoying, it’s Ibiza and nobody cares who you are back in the real world

Cost: about 100 euros…..for starters. Try Ocean Beach for a fun day out

9. GET A SELFIE WITH A FAMOUS DJ (WHILST TRYING TO LOOK COOL)

Ibiza is all about the big names in the big clubs so what better souvenir than you getting up close and personal with a world famous DJ so get your camera phone at the ready, wait for the right moment and give it your best sullen pout. Remember that grinning like a Cheshire cat is not cool. As they say: If it’s not on Social Media it never happened

Cost: The loss of a little self respect is a small price to pay for all those likes on Bragbook. Likes = popularity, right? 


10. SWIM IN THE INCREDIBLE WATERS OF FORMENTERA

Photo:Ibiza Speedboats

It’s amazing how many have never ‘made it’ over to the true Jewel of the Med. Only 30 mins by boat lies somewhere that will truly blow your socks off, if you were wearing any that is (note: flip flops and socks are unacceptable at any time)

Cost: Private speedboat with Boat Charter Company from 80 euros per person or 29 euros return with Aquabus for the ferry and 10 euros for a ham baguette from the local bakery. Cheaper than flying to Barbados.

These are just a few ideas, have I missed any or can you think of anything that others should know about? Contact me on Twitter, Facebook or email. Roll on Ibiza 2016! 

Fragmented Spanish General Election Results

 
The buzzword is ‘fragmented’ and looking at the Spanish General Election results from 20 December it’s not hard to see why. In the congress the PP won the popular vote with 123 seats but sustained major losses and fell well short of the magic figure of 176 to be able to claim an absolute majority. The PSOE had their worst night in recent history gaining 90 seats but the big winners on the night were “Podemos” who proved all the doubters wrong coming in with 69 seats if you include all their regional offshoots, not bad for a party less than 5 years old. Talking of new parties let’s not forget the Ciudadanos who came in with 40 seats, another stunning result that ends Spain’s 2 party political domination. 

In Ibiza the PP managed to win the popular vote in all municipalities except for Sant Josep where Podemos claimed victory. Again PSOE lost out to Podemos cutting into their vote and reducing them to 3rd place overall in the islands. As far as Balearic politics goes the PP will have 3 congress representatives in Madrid while PSOE and Podemos will have 2 each and Ciudadanos will have 1. Of the 8 Balearic representatives the politicians specifically from Ibiza will be Jose Vicente Mari Boso (PP), Santiago Mari (PP) and Sofia Hernanz (PSOE). These are the people who will ‘fight’ for Ibiza at central government. 

Boso, Mari and Hernanz

Spain now has an even split between the right and the left. In the blue/orange corner we have the PP/Ciudadanos and in the red/purple corner we have the PSOE/Podemos. 
So while PP and especially PSOE lick their wounds Podemos can now claim to be a major force in Spanish politics with their charismatic leader Pablo Iglesias leaving the door open for coalition negotiations. Alberto Riviera from the Ciudadanos has already claimed that he won’t enter into government but that could change quickly.  

As we saw in May’s local elections things are changing very quickly in Spanish politics where proportional representation enables new parties to get a foot in the door. The up side is that more people have a voice, the down side is that unstable governments create doubt. Interesting times indeed.

Ibiza Ecotax ‘Crisis’

crisis! what crisis?

Pressure is mounting on the Ibiza government after it was revealed that the island  will only receive 13% of funds from the new tourist ecotax that will be implemented in the spring of 2016. This is down from the 20% that was previously ‘agreed’. 

This is the 1st big challenge for the coalition government of PSOE/Podemos with Viviana de Sans of Podemos publically denouncing the  decision claiming that she didn’t know until the actual press conference announcing it. Strange indeed seeing that she’s Vice President? 

You always know there is a crisis when the president of the council comes out and claims that “there is no crisis” and this is exactly what Vicent Torres did yesterday trying to play down events however this political hot potato refuses to go away. 

Opposition spokesman Vicente Roig from the PP has jumped all over the issue too citing this as weak leadership from Torres and an example of the clear divisions within the coalition. 

Juanjo Riera, President of the Ibiza and Formentera Hotel Association, has once again come out strongly against the tax and claiming it’s another example of Mallorca riding roughshod over the other islands saying its another ‘submission’ to the largest Balearic island and seat of the Balearic parliament. 

Sr Riera was unequivocal in his tirade saying “regardless of political party , (Ibiza) people are tired of always giving in to Mallorca, it’s shameful and not just in this (political) term”. 

Lucas Prats, head of promotion for Ibiza tourism has also said it’s a ‘mistake’ further heaping pressure on the island council. 

The 2002 ecotax was seen a massive vote loser for the then socialist government after it was implemented badly and it appears that the 2016 version is going the same way. Watch this space as this is the story that keeps giving which is ironic really as the ecotax appears that it will be taking lots from Ibiza and putting very little back. 

Rise of the 5 Stars

  

Do you remember the time when the really big hotel names wouldn’t touch Ibiza because of its short season? They came and had a look then ended up in Barcelona or Dominican Republic or the Canaries where the season was longer and the licences were ‘easier’ to obtain.

How things have changed and this has been seen yet again by the news that the iconic Hotel Montesol in Vara de Rey, slap bang in the middle of Ibiza Town, will open in May 2016 as the 5 star Hilton Gran Hotel Montesol with 36 ‘super luxury’ rooms, down from the original 55 rooms to conform to the new laws governing 5 star establishments. 

The Montesol’s history is etched deep in the the islands soul so it’s an important announcement but as some bemoan Ibiza’s journey towards a mini Las Vegas others feel it’s an exciting leap forward offering quality rooms all year round. However expect prices to be in line with other Ibiza 5 star establishments where junior suites can fetch 500 euros per night even in the low season.

The Montesol news and the ongoing planning application to turn the neigbouring Serra Cinema into a 60 plus room, 5 star hotel will see a total regeneration of the Vara de Rey city centre area increasing the prestige reputation of the island and its capital. 

Yet again the roadmap can be traced back to Ushuaia as the game changer. It proved that fun and the pursuit of money could be combined to give a world class experience at premium prices that the clients were more than happy to pay for. Ushuaia showed that Ibiza hotels could yield as much in 4 months as other destinations can only dream of in 12 but it also let the cat out of the bag that quality in Ibiza brings rewards hence why the big boys have come sniffing (if you pardon the phrase). 

With Mambo Group purchasing Hostal La Torre to offer sunset and rooms, Ibiza Rocks finally buying Pikes and carrying on the Rock and Roll tradition and Es Vive doing their own cool chic thing in Figueretas the island is now more well served than ever at all levels of boutique hostelry. Throw in Hard Rock Hotel, Ocean Beach Hotel, Ibiza Gran, Atzaro, Fenicia to name but a very few and things are looking very rosy indeed for a decent bed for the night. Just don’t forget your credit card (but you can leave your sensibilities at home). Bienvenido a Ibiza. 

Tourism and Terrorism

After the tragic events of the last few weeks it is tourism once again that is the industry to suffer most. It highlights the fickle nature of the business and brings home it’s importance especially when you live on a small island that relies on it.

First of all here’s a quick overview (apologies but it’s needed for context)

1. March 2015 –  terrorists attack the Bardo National Museum in the Tunisian capital city of Tunis with 22 deaths, mostly European tourists.

2. June 2015 – a lone gunman murders 38 tourists in Sousse, Tunisia; 30 of which are British. The hotel is targeted to undermine tourism and because they are considered ‘brothels’ by ISIS.

3. October 2015 – Metrojet flight 7K268 from Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg explodes over the Sinai desert killing all 224 on board, 219 are Russian.

4. November 2015 – the terrible events in Paris unfold with 129 innocent people murdered in cold blood and which need no further detail here.

All this tragic loss of life plus a catastrophic effect on the tourist industries of Egypt and Tunisia which rely on foreign currency. It has also undermined the security measures of these gateways, something from which they may never recover.

In the immediate aftermath of the Paris attacks the companies hit hardest on the stock market were TUI (down 4.1%), British Airways/Iberia owners IAG (down 2.8%) and Thomas Cook (down 4.8%) proving that confidence in travel is the first thing to wane after any terrorist attacks. They will most likely recover as time passes but it shows the fragility of the market in general and it’s constant need to find new destinations and products.

As we have seen after previous incidents the world will keep turning and statistically it’s still the safest time in history to travel. These days people are made of stern stuff and have relatively short memories so the North African disasters will only open up opportunities for other destinations such as the Canary Islands, Cyprus and Malta for those wanting a little winter sun. Even Ibiza might ‘benefit’ from tourists wanting to stay a little closer to home, especially as more winter flights are coming in and 2016 will see Ryanair setting up a ‘base’ on the island.

So in the big scheme of things where does all this leave Ibiza, the ‘party island’ only 2 hours flight away from London? Regardless of whether we can supply the demand for short haul winter city breaks, Ibiza will do what it’s always done: Carry on!

So as our elected politicians talk about a tourist tax and a change of the ‘touristic model’ the events over the last 12 months should, if nothing else, hammer home our island’s 100% reliance on tourism and the fact that we need to cherish it with humility and not take it for granted.

As other destinations have discovered to their cost it can be taken away from you all too easily.

WINTER TOURISM: A CONSPIRACY OF COMPLACENCY?

 

In today’s guest blog Frank Leavers gives his views on winter tourism in the Balearic Islands.  Frank is a journalist and broadcaster who writes for the Majorca Daily Bulletin and other English language titles in Spain and beyond.

I have to say that the recent weather here across the Balearics has been wonderful, so much so that everyone I know has been saying the same thing i.e.……. it’s a pity that the islands seems to have shut-up-shop as if to spite themselves. To be perfectly honest I’m not sure what the authorities can do, but it seems such a pity that already tumbleweed is blowing through the streets of resort towns the length and breadth of our region. I know that I am not being particularly original, but could it be that in this regard, the local authorities and hoteliers are their own worst enemies?

Yes I know that you cannot keep a resort open upon the whim of a week of unseasonably warm weather, but it seems to me that sometimes we should be able to be a little quicker on our feet and think positively, so as to be more able to react to changing situations. In saying this, I can almost see the eye rolling and harrumphing reaction that last sentence will provoke within the ‘industry’ as it metaphorically stacks chairs on tables and closes its doors to the world. “We’re shut; now go away and find a place in another country that might appreciate your off-season business.” Could it be that local tourism and those who operate within it have become lazy and complacent and are quite happy for the island to operate on a four/five month per-annum calendar?

Looking back and trying to be honest; were we just a magnet for non-spending pensioners who would smuggle bread rolls into their hotel rooms, or is that something we have been ‘sold’ by the regional holiday industry in subsequent years as a sort of excuse, come alibi, to salve the consciences of the powers-that-be? Forget rose-tinted-glasses, if my memory is correct and properly intact, there was a lot more to winter tourism here than gaggles of pensioners escaping from northern Europe trying to keep warm in the winter.

Yes I know that I am being provocative on this issue; but has it ever occurred to anyone else that over the past decade, this industry has chosen to basically close the doors to the islands rather than to either suffer extra labour costs, or compromise other hotels within their large corporate groups elsewhere in the world? And then we have local and central government……aided and abetted by the trade unions, which because of their various inflexibilities are quite happy to pay out millions upon millions of euros in unemployment benefits rather than to stay open for winter business even if it was promoted on a bit-by-bit yet broad basis.

Indeed, it is only now that the authorities have woken up to the fact that many affluent mid-range tourists take winter breaks and are not wedded to the idea of lying on a beach for short week (or long weekend) but want an ‘activity’ holiday that might include cycling or walking in the mountains and along our many beautiful beaches whilst taking in Balearic culture and gastronomy. Come on, it really isn’t rocket science surely?

Quite rightly, amongst publications such as the Ibizan, Majorca Daily Bulletin and individual lobby groups and individuals there has been pressure brought to bear on budget airlines to continue flying over the winter period to regional and national outposts in the north of England and Scotland in particular, areas particular poorly served by winter flights. Yet, I suspect that I am not alone in thinking that unless you wish to stay with family or friends, or have a taste (or pocket!) for corporate 5 star hotels in Palma or Ibiza Town it would be hardly worth the effort.

I have a friend who is a very senior insider within the industry and he tells me that it wasn’t that long ago that in general the Balearic Islands had a “robust” winter holiday profile and it wasn’t any cyclical recession or financial downturn that put an end to that ten or more years ago. No, it was the industry itself that had grown sated by short-term profits and felt that winter tourism here in these islands was hardly worth bothering about given their growing ‘foreign’ portfolios, regional government apathy and local trade union intransigence.

Ibiza’s Winter Tourism Conundrum

  
As our island politicians return from an all-expenses paid trip to London’s World Travel Market the topic of winter tourism has raised its head yet again. 

This has been exasperated by the warm autumn weather that has seen Ibiza reach temperatures of up to 30 degrees in the sun and also the Sharm el-Sheikh tragedy that saw a jetliner bought down (apparently by a bomb) with a large loss of innocent lives. This tragedy along with the Tunisian lone gunman has seen traditional North African destinations become almost no-go zones for tourists leaving the travel market looking for more short haul options for winter destinations.

Even though the opportunity is right in front of us the commercial and political will of the Island suggests that despite the posturing our leaders are content with the status quo of busy summers followed by very quiet winters that allows for a great quality of life. Put simply, they earn enough in the summer so don’t need to open in the winter.

For those not in a privileged position, Ibiza’s unemployment queues get longer in the winter so why can’t the money spent on stemming the flow of poverty be used for creating jobs? The current situation sees many families on the breadline by January. Surely better to invest in people than effectively pay them to do nothing. 

On the island itself the subject of winter tourism is very polarizing with many wanting to carry on with the traditional 6 months on/6 months off and others moaning about the lack of work opportunities.

Those that denounce the idea of winter tourism saying such things as the island ‘needs a rest’ and ‘we love the peace and quiet in the winter’ obviously know very little about it as it’s completely different to the summer with an older more discerning tourism showing interest in local culture and society. 
Many miss the fact that Ibiza is already open for winter tourism but it isn’t doing it very well.
As a destination the island has a whole range of activities from cycling to walking to gastronomy to sightseeing to yoga to relaxing at spas: the spectrum is huge.

Most towns on the island have activities every weekend which are inclusive and fun yet they don’t seem able to advertise and get the message out there to anyone apart from an inner circle who seem to know everything. It’s all very last minute and tourism doesn’t work like that nowadays with forward planning needed to take advantage of lead-in prices.

 
Air Europa and Vueling have more flights, BA now operate a successful program of daily winter flights from London and Ryanair are opening an Ibiza base in March 2016 so as things are looking very rosy for an increased number of winter connections now would appear to be the time to push on. 

Ibiza in winter has the climate, it has the product and it has the location so we urgently need to to extend the tourist season not by making into a Benidorm or a December into August but by making March and November similar to April and October. The problem is that to do that the Island has to be open for business on a bigger and better scale and that right there is the biggest challenge.