Ibiza aims to boost shoulder season with niche offering

Ibiza is hoping new British Airways flights and niche offering will extend its tourism season past the traditional summer months.

The Spanish island has already seen a boost during the off-peak ‘shoulder season’ months after some tour operators started services in April this year instead of May or June.

But with British Airways to launch five flights a week from London City year round and new hotel developments, the island hopes to increase trips further outside of April to September.

“We want to see an increase in visits during the shoulder season and show that Ibiza is not just about the beach and nightlife but there is so much to do on the island,” Carmen Ferrer, Minister of Tourism for Ibiza told Travel Daily. “The 50+ market is particularly a sector we hope to attract and drive this, while new hotel development will open up more opportunities.”

New family resorts have offered more options while boutique hotel openings and the new Thomson Sensatori will open up the resort to couples. More five-star hotels will also make the island more appealing to the MICE sector.

Ferrer said the island will also look at developing its excursions and day trips for the 195,000 cruise passengers that visit each year.

“We have to showcase the best of the island to these passengers so that they get inspired to return,” she explained.

Arrivals to Ibiza have increased 8% in September with UK numbers up 5%. Up to September 745, 197 UK visitors have been to the Spanish island, making up 26.77% of the tourism numbers.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com