16 May 2026

Celebrating Culinary Excellence Amid Staffing Challenges in Ibiza's Gastronomy Scene

Ibiza's renowned gastronomic landscape was celebrated as the Academy of Gastronomy of Ibiza and Formentera bestowed its annual awards, honouring the authenticity and ingenuity underpinning the local dining scene. Chef Olivier Pérez was crowned Best Chef, while top spots like Camí de Balàfia and Es Xuclar earned accolades for tradition and atmosphere. However, the festivities were tempered by a stark industry issue—staff shortages are plaguing eateries, causing delays in openings, as noted by Paco Tur of Celler de Can Pere. This challenge stems from the island's housing scarcity and overwhelming demand, prompting a call for better living conditions to attract skilled employees. Despite these hurdles, Ibiza's culinary world remains a staple of its cultural and tourist allure, striving to blend heritage with forward-thinking practices.

More Information

VIP Access

Free Guestlist

Get free entry to the hottest events in Ibiza.

Today Tomorrow Day After

Keep Reading

Christmas Preparations Begin Early with Festive Lights Brightening Ibiza

October has just begun and the festive spirit is already seeping into the heart of Ibiza. The island's central areas, including popular streets like Aragón, Vicent Serra i Orvay, and Canarias, are getting an early touch of Christmas with the installation of twinkling lights. Although the exact switch-on date remains a mystery, locals recall that last year the festive glow began on November 29. However, this year, that date coincides with Spain's anticipated general elections, leaving the timing of this cheerful event in limbo. Regardless, the early setup has caught many by surprise, heralding an early celebration that promises to add charm to Ibiza's winter atmosphere.

Ibiza Pioneers New Strategy to Embrace Event Tourism, Look Beyond the Sun-Seeking Holidaymakers

Ibiza is making waves in the events and conference tourism sector with a fresh approach that sees potential well beyond its famous summer party season. This recent initiative took the form of a 'speed dating' style event held at the Hotel Torre del Mar, designed to bring together event managers from major corporate sectors with local service providers. In a setting where meaningful connections were priority, approximately 40 event planners met with 50 suppliers, including 14 specifically based on the island, showcasing a variety of services from accommodations to tech solutions. This initiative, spearheaded by Conecta One to One's co-founders, Jordi Nexus and Jonathan Ysaye, aims to spotlight Ibiza's capacity for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. It's not just about holidaymakers anymore; it's about extending the season and bringing in high-value visitors who, according to the Spain Convention Bureau, spend significantly more than typical vacationers. With the third edition of this event format, and its first in Ibiza, Ana Sánchez of the Ibiza Convention Bureau notes the rising interest in the island as a premiere event destination. The strategic shift not only helps desensitize the tourism calendar by filling in the quieter months, but it also channels spending across the local economy—from catering and tech services to audiovisual needs. Even hotels like the Torre del Mar, which now relishes a longer season from March to November, find their schedule influenced more by events tourism than by high summer demand. As Ibiza continues to leverage its enviable infrastructure for these off-peak periods, the island may just redefine what Ibiza is known for, proving that the party doesn’t have to stop when summer ends.

New Eco-Friendly Ferry Service to Transform Ibiza's Port Transport

The Balearic Islands Port Authority is set to revolutionise maritime transport in Ibiza with an exciting new initiative. They have announced a 15-year contract for managing a nautical shuttle service at Ibiza’s harbour—a key move towards sustainable travel for those flocking to the island. Initially launched on a temporary basis in 2023, the service aims to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly on busy streets near the port and cruise terminals, embracing greener alternatives. Strategically stationed at key points such as Botafoc Marina and es Martell pier, the service will operate year-round, running hourly from 8 am to 11 pm, with added services when cruise liners dock. This efficient system promises to whisk over 600 passengers per hour to the heart of historic Ibiza Town. The company winning the bid will ensure high environmental standards with low-emission boats, meeting visitor demand while safeguarding the island’s natural beauty. Ticketing will be streamlined with a combination of digital solutions and physical sales points, undergoing meticulous maintenance and waste management. Look forward to a seamless, eco-conscious journey across Ibiza’s stunning waters.