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Ibiza Visitor Numbers On The Slide
Ibiza tourism officials have been holding their breath for months. They've been waiting to see how the economic crisis would play out on the island as 2008 wraps up. The island, home to fewer than 150,000 regular residents, depends largely upon tourism for its economic survival.
Businesses and tourism officials expected a drop in the number of visitors to the area. The subsequent fall of those numbers did not come as a surprise. What did surprise, though, was that the numbers did not fall as severely as predicted. The drop was only about two percent over last year.
This was something of a mixed blessing. Numbers haven't fallen exponentially. However, those who are visiting Ibiza this autumn and winter are spending less than in previous years. Regulars to the region don't seem to be giving up their holiday plans entirely. Tourists are cutting back on their spending instead.
Ibiza tourism officials aren't just pointing the finger of blame at the economic crisis. The area is at something of a crossroads in its development. The island previously marketed itself as a place for visitors to enjoy nightlife. Decades have passed in the mean time. Residents and business owners have come to resent the image that has resulted from that marketing campaign. The region has become synonymous with partying, including all of the negatives that come with that image.
Ibiza tourism has been trying to shed that image since the dawn of the new millennium. It seems that the island has become notorious for raucous parties, drug use, drunkenness and petty crime. This has turned off family oriented visitors. Locals have expressed great interest in drawing those tourists back to the island.
It took years to market Ibiza's nightlife. Few expect that the party image will change over night. However, tourism promoters are working together with residents and businesses to re-package Ibiza. They hope to attract families, honeymooners and other tourists looking for a quieter place to vacation.
One means that Ibiza is using to curb its party habit has been to enact new laws and by-laws. Law enforcement, merchants and Ibiza tourism hope that these will stunt daytime partying. Clubbing around the clock has been a major turn-off to family-oriented visitors. Other laws are targeted at people using illegal drugs, especially so called recreational or 'club' drugs across the map of Ibiza
The image turn around may take several more years. Officials, merchants and residents are confident though that tourists will come to realize all of the perks that Ibiza has to offer. The island has one of the mildest climates in the Mediterranean. Summers are not as hot as other areas, and winters are cooler but by no means cold.
Its small population is also a benefit. Communities are close knit and as such work together well to create a positive atmosphere. Visitors of all kinds note that Ibiza is a friendly place, with gorgeous scenery to boot.
Ibiza tourism continues to wait to see how 2008 plays out. The year is drawing quickly to a close. Official numbers will not be available until early next year. Merchants will keep working hard at generating tourist income until then in the hope that 2009 will be a good year for them..
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Ibiza travel guide youribiza.net has information about Ibiza flights and speculates on who will offer cheap holiday in Ibiza deals for 2009.
