The shortage of personnel in the hotel sector of the Balearic Islands
The main hotel chains in the Balearic Islands have announced the implementation of new measures to address the staff shortage affecting the islands. The lack of qualified workers has led hoteliers to look for innovative solutions, such as offering hotel rooms to their employees.
Rising wages and the high cost of housing
The current hospitality agreement, signed in 2023, meant a salary increase of 25.5%. However, the price of housing on the islands has experienced an even greater increase, becoming one of the highest in the country. This situation has made it difficult for workers to find affordable accommodation, leading some to sleep on the streets or in caravans.
Measures by hoteliers to attract labor
Faced with a lack of affordable housing, hoteliers are exploring various measures to attract labor to the sector. Manuel Sendino, manager of the Ibiza Hotel Federation (FEHIF), states that all possible options are being considered, from the purchase and rental of apartments to the transfer of rooms to employees.
However, Sendino recognizes that the transfer of rooms for workers will not be implemented en masse in Ibiza, as had previously been announced for hotels in Mallorca. He explains that the reduction of tourist places in hotels, imposed by the Tourism Law, has limited the number of rooms available for this purpose.
Specific measures of the Ibiza Island Council
The Ibiza Island Council is taking measures to increase the availability of residential housing. One of these measures is the collaboration with the housing rental portal Booking.com, which shares information with the institution to combat illegal tourist rentals.
The Council has also announced the hiring of tourism inspectors to combat the illegal supply of tourist homes. This measure aims to relieve pressure on the territory, since the rental of apartments or rooms to tourists is prohibited throughout the island of Ibiza.
Hotel occupancy forecasts for 2024
The Ibiza Hotel Federation has good expectations for the 2024 tourist season. However, hoteliers are cautious because Easter falls early this year, which may delay the opening of establishments.
Traditionally, the tourist season in Ibiza and Formentera begins on May 1, and this year it is expected to remain that way. The hotels that open during Easter will have good occupancy, but it is estimated that less than 10% of the establishments will be operational.
The local press has reported that some hotels near the leisure areas of Ibiza have already posted the full sign for the end of April, when the large clubs on the island open. However, the Hotel Federation clarifies that this situation will not occur throughout the island, since many hotels will remain closed in other areas.
