Ibiza’s holiday rental sector is set to meet on Tuesday, 27 October, for a congress focused on the future of tourist accommodation, the regulation of tourist places and efforts to tackle illegal holiday rentals. The programme will also examine family tourism, sustainability, market trends and the growing role of artificial intelligence in accommodation management.
The 12th Ibiza Holiday Homes Congress is organised by the Association of Holiday Tourist Homes of Ibiza and Formentera (AVAT) and the Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises of Ibiza and Formentera (PIMEEF), with funding from the Ibiza Island Council. The event will take place at Hotel Torre del Mar in Platja d’en Bossa.
The programme comprises four round-table discussions and a central presentation, bringing together representatives of public institutions, tourism businesses, researchers and specialists in sustainability and technology.
Family Tourism and Sustainability on the Agenda
The morning programme will begin with a discussion of holiday rentals as an accommodation option for families and their contribution to Ibiza’s economy. Participants are expected to include Juan Miguel Costa, the Island Council’s director of tourism promotion; Luis Falcón of InAtlas; Carmen Sarah Einsle of the University of Alicante; and AVAT president José Antonio Llano.
A second discussion will focus on sustainability and competitiveness. Topics include reducing environmental impacts, promoting a circular economy and responding to changing regulatory requirements and market expectations.
The announced speakers include Alessandro Gallo, Spain coordinator for Green Key; Sally Riera of Ibiza Preservation; and Joan Guasch, manager of NetIbiza.
Tourist Places and Illegal Holiday Rentals
The regulation of tourist accommodation and the control of illegal supply will be central themes of the congress.
Mariano Juan, first vice-president of the Ibiza Island Council, is scheduled to deliver the main presentation on tourist planning. His contribution will address the Island Tourism Intervention Plan (PIAT), the management of tourist places, regulatory challenges and efforts to combat unauthorised tourist accommodation.
The issue is particularly relevant to Ibiza, where the authorities have been working to identify illegal holiday rental advertisements and establish responsibility for properties marketed without the required authorisation.
The Balearic Government’s published measures for Ibiza include a specific inspection plan targeting illegal tourist accommodation advertised on digital platforms. The island has also established a coordination forum involving public administrations, professional and sectoral associations, social representatives and rental platforms. An agreement with Airbnb provides for the removal of clearly illegal advertisements and the removal of listings when sanctioning proceedings are initiated.
The congress will provide an opportunity for the accommodation sector and institutional representatives to discuss regulation, enforcement and the future management of tourist places. The announced programme does not, however, establish that any new regulatory measures will be approved at the meeting.
Market Trends and the Role of Artificial Intelligence
The afternoon programme will examine the evolution of Ibiza’s holiday rental market and its prospects. Speakers are expected to include Clive Heathcote, AVAT’s vice-president; Raúl Castillo, responsible for tourist destinations and geodata at Holidu; James Kinnersly, sales director at AirDNA; and Juan Franch Fluxà of the University of the Balearic Islands.
The final discussion will explore the use of generative artificial intelligence in customer service, process automation, revenue management and personalised marketing. It will also consider the opportunities and regulatory risks associated with adopting these technologies.
Fabián González, director of the luxury division at Andersen Consulting, and Joan Barceló, information systems director at World2Meet, are scheduled to participate.
Congress Details
The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at Hotel Torre del Mar in Platja d’en Bossa.
Accreditation is due to begin at 09:45, with the opening at 10:00. Sessions are scheduled from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 19:30, when the congress is expected to conclude.
The meeting brings together several issues shaping Ibiza’s tourist accommodation debate: how holiday rentals are regulated, how illegal supply is identified and controlled, the role of family tourism, environmental sustainability and how technology may change the way accommodation is managed and marketed.