Abel Matutes on Ibiza’s Tourism and Housing Crisis
Abel Matutes Prats believes that “you can’t play with the bread, and in Ibiza, tourism is the bread.” In a recent interview on the podcast La Tertulia with Joan Carles Rodríguez, the renowned businessman shared his thoughts on Ibiza’s thriving tourism industry and the pressing housing crisis affecting the island.
Tourism is the Lifeblood of Ibiza
Matutes emphasises the pivotal role tourism plays in Ibiza’s economy. “The island is much better than before, generating profits that others around the world want to emulate,” he noted. According to him, the perception of increased congestion isn’t due to more tourists but because visitors are exploring outside their hotels more frequently.
Urgent Need to Address the Housing Crisis
Impact of Illegal Tourist Rentals
Abel Matutes on Ibiza’s tourism and housing crisis highlighted the exacerbating effect of illegal tourist rentals. He pointed out that these unregulated accommodations, especially in multi-family buildings, are worsening the housing shortage for residents.
Solutions for the Housing Shortage
“We need to be more agile in granting licenses and expanding urban land,” Matutes stated. By streamlining these processes, he believes Ibiza can alleviate the housing problem and ensure sustainable growth.
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Opposition to Decreasing Tourism
Matutes dismissed calls for reducing tourism as “absolutely absurd and a real madness.” Instead, he advocates for enhancing the quality of the tourist experience.
Promoting Nautical and Golf Tourism
To attract visitors beyond the summer months, Matutes suggests promoting nautical tourism and developing golf courses. Addressing common misconceptions, he explained, “We wrongly believe golf courses will deplete our water, yet we’re discarding treated water into the sea.” He argues that such facilities can add significant value without harming the environment.
Business Expansion and Success
Discussing his company’s growth, Matutes shared that after internal restructuring, they are now in a phase of expansion. With a presence in seven countries, they aim to establish themselves in places like the United Arab Emirates and Asia. “In the countries we’re in, we’re growing significantly,” he said.
His greatest professional achievement? Transforming a three-star hotel into Ushuaïa Ibiza, the world’s most profitable hotel per room. “It wasn’t easy. Convincing the board took three years,” Matutes recalled.
Personal Reflections
Carrying the Matutes surname is both “a pride and a responsibility,” he admitted. While he originally aspired to be a physicist or marine biologist, destiny led him back to the family business. Regarding his children, he wishes for them to be “responsible and hardworking,” but wants them to pursue their own passions. “I don’t have a special desire for my children to run the company,” he confessed.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on his journey, Abel Matutes on Ibiza’s tourism and housing crisis emphasised the importance of cherishing loved ones. “I’d tell my 20-year-old self to enjoy more time with family,” he concluded.
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