Formentera recorded a 26.1% decline in the number of British residents staying in its hotels between May and September 2026, despite an increase in overall hotel guests during the same period. The figures come as the island's government steps up its efforts to attract more visitors from the United Kingdom, encouraging them to stay longer rather than visit Formentera only on day trips from Ibiza.

According to data from the Balearic Islands Institute of Statistics (IBESTAT), Formentera's hotels welcomed 4,666 guests resident in the United Kingdom between May and September 2026, compared with 6,310 during the equivalent period in 2025.

The figures represent a reduction of 1,644 British hotel guests. While the number of UK residents staying in local accommodation fell, the total number of guests staying in Formentera's hotels increased by 3% year on year.

The figures were highlighted during Formentera's participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where a delegation from the Consell Insular is seeking to strengthen the island's position in the British tourism market and promote a wider range of experiences.

British Hotel Guests Fall by 26.1%

The latest hotel figures show a contrasting trend between the British market and Formentera's overall accommodation performance.

Between May and September 2026, 4,666 UK residents stayed in hotels on the island, down from 6,310 during the same months of the previous year. This represents a 26.1% decrease.

By comparison, the total number of hotel guests across all markets increased by 3% over the same period.

The distinction is important because the figures relate specifically to people resident in the United Kingdom who stayed in hotels. They do not measure all British visitors to Formentera, including people staying in other types of accommodation or those visiting for a single day.

The 2026 hotel figures are provisional and are based on IBESTAT's hotel occupancy statistics.

British Visitors Often Discover Formentera on Day Trips

The Consell's promotional strategy is also informed by information collected through the island's tourist information offices.

According to figures from the Formentera Data Observatory cited during the London promotion, 424 enquiries from British visitors were recorded between May and October 2026. This represented 7.5% of all enquiries and placed the United Kingdom among the five most frequent countries of origin recorded by the service.

The information also highlights the importance of day-trip tourism. Around 42% of British enquiries for which the type of visit was known related to people spending just one day on the island. Across all recorded enquiries, the corresponding proportion was 27%.

The data suggests an opportunity to encourage more British visitors to stay overnight and explore Formentera over several days.

The Observatory also reported that 89% of British enquiries with available information about previous visits concerned people visiting Formentera for the first time.

These figures come from tourist information office records and should not be interpreted as a complete count of British arrivals or overnight visitors. Each enquiry is recorded as one consultation, regardless of the number of people in the group.

Formentera Meets TUI and ABTA at the World Travel Market

Formentera's participation in the World Travel Market forms part of its efforts to reinforce its presence in the British market.

The island's institutional delegation is led by Consell president Óscar Portas, accompanied by Tourism Councillor Artal Mayans and Island Tourism Director Leonardo Metastasio. They are participating alongside the Balearic Islands Tourism Strategy Agency (AETIB).

During the first day of the fair, the delegation held meetings with TUI and ABTA, the British travel agents and tour operators association. A further meeting with travel operator Jet2 was also included in the programme.

The discussions are intended to strengthen professional relationships, understand the outlook for the British market and explore opportunities to promote Formentera as a destination for longer holidays.

Speaking to Cadena SER, Portas explained that British tourism is not currently one of Formentera's leading source markets, ranking fifth in the island's visitor figures. However, he believes there is potential to attract more British holidaymakers who might otherwise visit only as part of a trip to Ibiza.

The Consell is particularly interested in attracting visitors who will spend several days on the island and discover its different landscapes, activities and cultural attractions.

'Memories by the Sea' Promotes a Different Side of Formentera

A central part of the island's presence at the London fair is the presentation of 'Memories by the Sea', a promotional initiative designed to highlight the experiences and lasting impressions visitors can take away from Formentera.

Presented on Wednesday, 4 November, at the Balearic Islands stand, the campaign places particular emphasis on the island's natural environment, culture and opportunities for tourism beyond the traditional summer beach holiday.

Astrotourism and the observation of the night sky are among the main themes of the presentation. The island is also promoting its gastronomy, cultural heritage, outdoor activities and natural landscapes as reasons to visit outside the busiest months.

The initiative aims to communicate that Formentera offers more than a day of sun and beaches, encouraging visitors to take the time to discover the island at a slower pace.

Extending the Tourist Season and Encouraging Longer Stays

The Consell's meetings in London form part of a broader strategy to diversify Formentera's tourism demand and encourage visits beyond the peak summer season.

By promoting nature-based activities, gastronomy, culture and outdoor experiences, the island hopes to attract visitors interested in spending more time there and exploring its offer throughout different periods of the year.

The British market presents a particular opportunity because of its importance to tourism in neighbouring Ibiza. The Consell wants to build on that connection and encourage more British holidaymakers to include overnight stays in Formentera rather than limiting their visit to a day excursion.

Formentera's participation in the World Travel Market continues until Thursday, 5 November, with further opportunities to meet tourism professionals and present the island's offer to the international travel industry.

The latest hotel figures highlight the challenge facing the island in the British market: while overall hotel tourism increased, the number of UK residents staying in local hotels declined considerably. The Consell is now looking to use its promotional work in London to encourage longer stays, attract new visitors and present Formentera as a destination worth discovering beyond a single day.