Ibiza saw a significant drop in British tourists this summer, according to the island’s tourism minister.

Last year, Spain experienced a record-breaking influx of 94 million holidaymakers, leading to protests against overtourism across popular Spanish holiday destinations.

Despite the boost to the economy, with international travellers spending an estimated €126.3 billion in 2024, many locals feel the strain on housing, public infrastructure and their way of life is too high a price to pay. Speaking at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, Ibiza’s Minister of Tourism, Jaume Bauza, revealed that 20,000 fewer Brits visited the Balearic island during the peak season this year compared to 2024.

However, tourism chiefs remain optimistic despite the drop, suggesting that holidaymakers may have simply shifted their travel plans to October and November, when temperatures are milder and the risk of protest disruption is lower. Flight capacity to the Balearics has increased by 8% this November compared to 2024, in anticipation of more off-peak travellers.

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Mr Bauza, speaking through a translator, expressed his concern over any decrease in attendance from their main markets, such as the UK. However, he noted that this has been offset by an increase in visitors from France, Switzerland, and Italy.

He stated: “The truth is, any decrease in attendance from our main markets, such as the British market, is a reason to worry. However, this has been compensated for by the increase from the French, Swiss, and Italian markets. The increase is comparable to last season. Any decrease from our biggest markets is something we need to pay attention to. With regards to protests, we respect them, but they do not worry us.”

Ibiza has been shifting towards attracting higher-end, higher-spending tourists over the past year. At the WTM, Mr. Bauza outlined plans to clamp down on illegal holiday lets and monitor the impact of tourism on the island’s natural environment.

He extended a warm welcome to British tourists, stating: “I want the British who visit our islands who are, and will always be, warmly welcome, to be aware of and familiar with this transformation process, because I want them to be aware and participate in the changes we are undertaking.”

He emphasised that the goal was not just growth, but also preserving what they already have and ensuring each visitor experiences the best of their islands.

Pedro Homar, managing director of the Palma Tourism Board, confirmed that visitor numbers to the Majorcan capital remained strong this summer. Speaking to the Mirror, he said: “British tourism is the number one nationality for us in the city of Palma, it has been like that for the last five years and we want to continue like this. We really want to make sure that Palma is a popular destination for UK tourists, and they are always welcome.”