Ibiza holiday homes seen as key to winning back families

The president of the Ibiza and Formentera holiday rental association (AVAT), José Antonio Llano, argues that licensed holiday homes can be "an important lever" for bringing family tourism back to the island. He made the case to La Voz de Ibiza ahead of the association's XII Congress of Holiday Tourist Homes, held on Tuesday 27 October at the Hotel Torre del Mar in Platja d'en Bossa.

Llano says Ibiza's tourism model is shifting towards luxury and leisure visitors, with fewer of the families who traditionally stayed longer. He links this to part of the hotel stock being converted into adults-only or higher-category properties, which in his view narrows the choice for middle-class families. He considers the different segments compatible, but is concerned about shorter stays and the effect on businesses in areas that relied on family guests.

He also describes the 2026 season as good and similar to 2025, with many last-minute bookings and more price negotiation. In his view, holiday homes are somewhat less exposed to changes in visitor profile, and he insists they need not compete with hotels.

The PIAT and unlicensed homes

The congress is also expected to discuss the Plan de Intervención en Ámbitos Turísticos (PIAT), the Consell d'Eivissa's tourism planning document, which is still being drafted. Llano said AVAT was consulted in the early stages but has not been consulted for some time and does not know how the work is progressing.

The association asks that the plan give a legal route to certain detached homes that are already built, without a sharp rise in tourist places. It argues that some of these properties already operate irregularly and could join a regulated and supervised supply within the limits of the territory. AVAT also estimates that 15% to 20% of homes holding a tourist licence are not being marketed, citing sales, moves into the residential market and owners leaving the activity under what it sees as growing regulatory pressure.

What it means

For owners with a licensed villa, the family segment is being named as an opportunity, so guests such as multi-generational groups and longer stays may deserve attention in how a property is presented and priced. The report of late bookings and price negotiation also suggests flexibility in pricing may matter next season.

For anyone buying or holding a property with a licence, the PIAT is the document to watch, because it will shape how tourist supply is organised. Nothing in the report says what it will contain, and the figures on unmarketed licences are the association's own estimates.

Background

AVAT raised the loss of family tourism at its 2025 congress too, pointing to more expensive holidays and shorter stays. Reducing it is now described as a priority for institutions and part of the business sector.

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