Caution Among Hoteliers Regarding the Ibiza Airport Expansion Project

The Ibiza and Formentera Hotel Business Federation (FEHIF) does not yet have a clear position regarding the airport expansion project promoted by AENA. This was acknowledged on Friday by the federation’s president, María Costa. She stated that FEHIF will not take a position on the matter until all the relevant information is available.

Following FEHIF’s annual general assembly, Costa explained that representatives of the hotel federation recently held a meeting with the airport director, Marta Torres, to learn about the “courses of action” planned by AENA for the infrastructure. However, Costa also noted that FEHIF is still waiting for “a document outlining the projected growth and the basis for the modernization plan over the next 20 or 30 years.”

The president of FEHIF stated that hoteliers in Ibiza and Formentera support “anything that improves the organization, safety, comfort, and well-being” of the airport for both tourists and other users. However, she made it clear that FEHIF will wait “to know all the facts before taking a position.”

During the assembly, the issue of water supply in both Ibiza and Formentera was also discussed. On this matter, Costa explained that the federation is “focused on finding solutions to complete the water cycle and make better use of desalinated water.” As a result, the support of these business owners for the construction of a fourth desalination plant in Ibiza was confirmed. According to Costa, this infrastructure should help “relieve pressure on the aquifers.”

Finally, the hotel federation also debated the issue of illegal tourist accommodation in the Pitiusas. In this regard, María Costa explained after the assembly that hoteliers make a “very positive” assessment of the work carried out by the Consell d’Eivissa and local councils. However, she also stated that the federation believes “further work is needed to find a balance between tourists and residents.” A balance which, she added, “is very necessary for these islands.”