Madrid - Spain
Parts of the Spanish beaches of Ibiza appeared calmer than usual during the summer season of 2026, in a scene that attracted the attention of residents and visitors alike. Video clips showed some tourists spreading out on the sand with their bags and food boxes, while others resorted to sleeping on the beach, as if the place had turned from an entertainment destination into an open waiting lounge before the flight time.

These scenes do not necessarily reflect the collapse of the tourist season, but they do reveal a change in the behavior of visitors, with a number of them preferring to reduce accommodation expenses, eat ready-made meals, or spend longer hours outside hotels.

Higher spending and shorter stays

According to data from the Balearic Islands Statistics Institute, Ibiza and Formentera received 560,121 tourists last June, a decrease of 4.75% compared to the same month in 2025. However, total tourism spending rose to 690.07 million euros, an increase of 5.94%.

The average daily tourist spending reached 249.51 euros, which is the highest level among the Balearic Islands, while the average spending during the trip reached 1,232.01 euros. On the other hand, the average length of stay did not exceed 4.94 nights, which reflects a clear trend towards shorter and more expensive trips.

The sector is watching the transformation

In a reading of this scene, Juan Miguel Costa, Director of Tourism in Ibiza, said that the first half of July seemed close to last year’s performance, while the second half witnessed a relative slowdown, partly due to the high costs of flights and accommodation and economic pressures in some markets that source tourists. Source

What does this mean for Arab tourists?

Ibiza provides an important example for Arab tourists and investors in the hospitality sector: higher spending does not always mean an improved tourist experience. A tourist may spend more because of high prices, not because he stays longer or gets better services. Therefore, it is important to compare the costs of hotels and flights in advance, and to choose the least crowded seasons, especially for families and travelers looking for a relaxing vacation rather than a crowded beach and a meal from a plastic container.