The Ibiza and Formentera Hotel Business Federation (FEHIF) does not yet have a clear position regarding the airport expansion project promoted by AENA. This was acknowledged on Friday by the federation’s president, María Costa. She stated that FEHIF will not take a position on the matter until all the relevant information is available.

Following FEHIF’s annual general assembly, Costa explained that representatives of the hotel federation recently held a meeting with the airport director, Marta Torres, to learn about the “courses of action” planned by AENA for the infrastructure. However, Costa also noted that FEHIF is still waiting for “a document outlining the projected growth and the basis for the modernization plan over the next 20 or 30 years.”

The president of FEHIF stated that hoteliers in Ibiza and Formentera support “anything that improves the organization, safety, comfort, and well-being” of the airport for both tourists and other users. However, she made it clear that FEHIF will wait “to know all the facts before taking a position.”

During the assembly, the issue of water supply in both Ibiza and Formentera was also discussed. On this matter, Costa explained that the federation is “focused on finding solutions to complete the water cycle and make better use of desalinated water.” As a result, the support of these business owners for the construction of a fourth desalination plant in Ibiza was confirmed. According to Costa, this infrastructure should help “relieve pressure on the aquifers.”

Finally, the hotel federation also debated the issue of illegal tourist accommodation in the Pitiusas. In this regard, María Costa explained after the assembly that hoteliers make a “very positive” assessment of the work carried out by the Consell d’Eivissa and local councils. However, she also stated that the federation believes “further work is needed to find a balance between tourists and residents.” A balance which, she added, “is very necessary for these islands.”

Few organizations have as much influence on the economy of Ibiza and Formentera as the Hotel Business Federation. Although it usually works away from the spotlight, its role is essential in facilitating dialogue between the tourism sector, public administrations, and civil society. Now, the organization is entering a new chapter.

Santiago García Ramón has been appointed as the new manager of the Ibiza and Formentera Hotel Federation, succeeding Manuel Sendino, who has begun a gradual transition process ahead of his retirement. The appointment was ratified during the Annual General Assembly held this Friday at the Parador de Ibiza.

The change comes at a particularly significant moment for the Balearic tourism sector, which is currently immersed in debates surrounding sustainability, housing, competitiveness, and the transformation of the tourism model.

A generational transition

Until now, García Ramón had maintained a close relationship with the organization. In recent years, he served as secretary of the Sant Antoni and Bay Hotel Business Association and was also a member of the Federation’s board of directors.

According to statements reported by Diario de Ibiza, the possibility of taking over the management role arose after Manuel Sendino expressed last year his intention to begin a gradual retirement process due to his age. The board of directors subsequently considered García Ramón to have the right profile to assume the new responsibility.

Modernization and new challenges

The arrival of the new manager coincides with an internal modernization process that the Federation has been developing over recent years.

Among the initiatives recently promoted are the renovation of its offices, the update of the corporate website, and the strengthening of the communications department — measures aimed at adapting the organization to the evolving needs of the sector.

In statements published by Diario de Ibiza, García Ramón said he is approaching this new stage with “enthusiasm and responsibility,” highlighting precisely the modernization efforts undertaken by the Federation.

The main challenge: remaining useful to the sector

The hotel industry continues to be one of the main economic drivers of Ibiza and Formentera. Thousands of jobs and a significant part of the islands’ business activity depend directly or indirectly on the evolution of tourism. However, the current context is very different from that of just a decade ago.

Sustainability, regulation of tourist accommodation, the shortage of housing for workers, digitalization, and growing international competition have expanded the responsibilities of business organizations.

In this context, one of the key priorities of the new management team will be to strengthen connections with members. As García Ramón explained to Diario de Ibiza, one of the main challenges is ensuring that business owners perceive the Federation as a truly useful tool for representing and defending their interests before public administrations and society.

A key voice for the future of the islands

Beyond hotels, the Federation actively participates in some of the major debates that will shape the future of Ibiza and Formentera.

Managing tourism growth, improving infrastructure, ensuring destination sustainability, and attracting talent are all issues that require ongoing dialogue between institutions and the private sector.

The appointment of Santiago García Ramón therefore represents more than just an organizational change. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for an institution that is expected to continue playing a relevant role in one of the archipelago’s most strategic industries. In territories where tourism shapes a large part of the economy, the ability to build representation and consensus is just as important as business activity itself.