Publications
Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Practices in Coastal Marinas: A Comparative Study of Monaco and Ibiza
Artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly reduce the ecological impact of coastal marinas while maintaining economic viability, as demonstrated by a comparative study of Monaco and Ibiza. In Monaco, AI-driven initiatives like the SEA Index® and predictive maintenance led to a 28% drop in CO2 emissions between 2020 and 2025. Meanwhile, Ibiza achieved an 85% landfill diversion rate through AI-assisted waste systems, solar power, and biodiversity conservation efforts. The study categorizes AI tools into supervised learning, anomaly detection, and rule-based systems, assessing their effectiveness using statistical techniques like t-tests and regression R² values. While AI shows promise in reconciling economic imperatives with ecological conservation, challenges such as ethical oversight, regulatory coherence, and replication across regions persist. Practical steps forward include promoting AI-as-a-Service models, piloting regulatory sandboxes, improving access to open-source platforms, and establishing common standards for marine environmental data stewardship.
Microgeographic diversity does not drive macroevolutionary divergence in bite force of the Ibiza wall lizard, Podarcis pityusensis
Despite extensive research on microgeographic phenotypic variation, this study reveals that such diversity does not necessarily translate into macroevolutionary divergence. Using the Ibiza wall lizard, Podarcis pityusensis, as a model, researchers analyzed bite force and morphology across 11 populations with varying degrees of evolutionary isolation. Surprisingly, the two major clades of P. pityusensis, isolated for over 100,000 years, showed negligible phenotypic differences in bite force, contradicting expectations. The study also found that environmental selective pressures drive form-function evolution differently by sex: natural selection is more influential on females, while males exhibit both natural and sexual selection influences. This research highlights the complexity of form-function-environment relationships, demonstrating how convergence at greater evolutionary scales can obscure microevolutionary diversity.
Risk, Transgression and Substance Use: An Ethnography of Young British Tourists in Ibiza
British youth engage in binge drinking, drug use, and other risk behaviors during their holidays in Ibiza primarily to escape the constraints of work and family life in the UK and as part of constructing their identities. These behaviors are also aggressively endorsed by various aspects of Ibiza's social context. The study, based on ethnographic research including participant observation and 17 focus groups with 97 young people aged 17 to 31, provides a deeper understanding of why these behaviors occur, moving beyond survey data to explore the underlying motivations and social dynamics.
Detection of dengue in German tourists returning from Ibiza, Spain, related to an autochthonous outbreak, August to October 2022
A local dengue transmission event on Ibiza, Spain, was documented for the first time in 2022. The study identified two confirmed and four possible cases among German tourists who traveled to Ibiza between late August and early October 2022. Symptoms appeared shortly after return, with one case confirmed by NS1 antigen and IgM antibodies, while another tested positive for DENV IgM. A probable source case, likely infected in a dengue-endemic country, was traced to the same municipality in Ibiza, suggesting local transmission. The presence of Aedes albopictus, a known dengue vector established on Ibiza since 2014, supported this finding. The study highlights the emerging risk of dengue in non-endemic European regions due to mosquito vectors and travel-related introductions.
New Trends in Tourism
Tourism in the 21st century is shifting from mass, sun-sea-sand experiences to niche, meaningful journeys that prioritize authenticity and personal connection. This transformation is driven by tourists seeking deeper engagement with destinations, leading to the rise of ecotourism, heritage tourism, and spiritual travel. The book explores how COVID-19 and climate change have disrupted traditional tourism models, using Ibiza's cruise industry as a case study for managing crises. It also examines the role of technology—such as AI, VR, and mobile apps—in redefining travel experiences while raising ethical concerns about authenticity. By analyzing interactions between tourists and locals, including the 'domestic zoo syndrome,' the work highlights how cultural power dynamics evolve through informal tourism and creativity.
The Consolidation Stage of the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) Model: The Case of Ibiza from 1977 to 2000
Ibiza's tourism, renowned for its sun-and-beach appeal and nightlife, entered a consolidation phase from 1977 to 2000, marked by slower demand growth, the first major crisis, and significant administrative interventions. This period, analyzed using the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model, saw efforts to address oversized accommodation supply, protect untouched environments, modernize outdated offerings, and diversify markets beyond Germany and the UK. The economic downturn of the early 1990s spurred a shift from quantitative to qualitative growth, setting the stage for stagnation and modernization post-2000. The study provides a historical lens on this under-examined phase, highlighting Ibiza's transition from rapid expansion to strategic adaptation in tourism development.
The impact of TOURISM and seasonality on different types of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation: The case of Ibiza
A significant decline in per capita non-sorted municipal solid waste (MSW) generation has been observed in Ibiza, with a more pronounced reduction among the non-tourist population. This trend, alongside an increase in sorted waste collection, suggests the growing adoption of circular economy practices. The study differentiates waste generation patterns between tourists and locals using the STIRPAT model, revealing that these patterns vary by season, population type, and waste category. While both groups show a decrease in non-sorted waste, sorted waste per capita has risen, indicating improved recycling efforts. These findings underscore the complex interplay of tourism, seasonality, and waste management strategies in shaping sustainability outcomes.
Tourism as a factor in the preservation of the traditional dances of Ibiza and Formentera
Tourism has played a pivotal role in preserving the traditional peasant dances, known as ball pagès, of Ibiza and Formentera. The study reveals that the integration of these dances into tourist performances during the 1930s boom and subsequent decades ensured their survival amid rapid economic changes. By becoming a staple in nightclubs and hotels, ball pagès not only attracted tourists but also fostered local appreciation and intergenerational transmission, countering threats to its continuity. The research highlights how tourism, initially as a novelty for illustrious visitors, evolved into a cultural safeguard, demonstrating its dual function as both an economic driver and a vehicle for cultural preservation.
Archaeological Heritage for All: A Heritage Site Accessibility Tool (HSAT) for Open-Air Archaeological Sites
A Heritage Site Accessibility Tool (HSAT) has been developed to assess and improve accessibility for open-air archaeological sites, with a focus on inclusion for people with disabilities. The tool identifies key problems and opportunities for enhancement across multiple dimensions of accessibility. Validated through eight culturally significant Mediterranean case studies—spanning Sicily, Minorca, Ibiza, Malta, and Gozo—the HSAT provides actionable insights for heritage managers aiming to foster inclusive cultural tourism. This approach highlights the importance of addressing accessibility barriers while preserving archaeological integrity.
Ground-Runoff Harvesting to Increase Water Availability in Isolated Households on Hilly Mediterranean Islands: A Case Study in a Micro-Catchment of Ibiza (Spain)
Ground-runoff harvesting (GRH) emerges as a promising, sustainable solution to address freshwater scarcity on Mediterranean islands. A study in Ibiza demonstrated that GRH can capture significant volumes of water from extreme rainfall events, filling a 40 m³ tank in just one hour during a 65 mm/h precipitation event. Using a curve-number-based rainfall-runoff model, researchers estimated that installing GRH systems across Ibiza's forested areas could harvest approximately 1.31 million cubic meters of freshwater annually—equivalent to about 5% of the island's total freshwater budget. This approach offers an inexpensive and scalable method to increase water availability in isolated households, particularly in drought-prone regions with limited groundwater resources.
Ibiza and the introduction of capitalism in the Mediterranean: from agrarian self-consumption to full market dependence, 1857–1935
Ibiza's transition from agrarian self-sufficiency to full market dependence between 1857 and 1935 marked a significant shift in Mediterranean economic structures. The island's economy, initially protected by local subsistence farming, rapidly integrated into global trade networks, becoming heavily reliant on external inputs and markets. This transformation not only improved living conditions for residents but also spurred the growth of commerce and maritime industries, laying the foundation for Ibiza's rise as a leading international tourism destination in the 1930s. The study highlights how financial, human, and social capital accumulation during this period facilitated Ibiza's economic diversification and its eventual pivot to tourism.
Social involvement and adaptation to the 1960s tourist boom on Ibiza
Contrary to common narratives of 'dependent development' and 'social impoverishment,' Ibiza's society actively engaged with and adapted to its rapid 1960s tourist boom, transforming rather than being transformed by it. This study challenges the notion that mass tourism imposes external forces on host communities, demonstrating instead how Ibizans proactively reshaped their economy and social structure to overcome traditional limitations. By analyzing archival records, oral histories, and economic data, researchers reveal a nuanced process where locals accepted both the benefits and costs of tourism, integrating it as a vital component of their development. The findings highlight the agency of local communities in navigating rapid change, offering a counterpoint to dominant discourses on tourism's negative impacts.
The Society’s Heterogeneity Regarding Attitudes towards Tourism: A Cluster Analysis of the Ibiza Residents
A cluster analysis of Ibiza residents reveals significant heterogeneity in attitudes towards tourism, with five distinct groups identified: enthusiastic supporters, interested supporters, supporters with nuanced opinions, neutrals, and critics. The most prominent groups are the supporters with nuanced opinions (23.0%)—often referred to as 'realists'—and the critics (23.4%), who are concerned about negative impacts. This study highlights the importance of recognizing diverse societal perspectives in managing tourist destinations, particularly in mature and highly crowded locations like Ibiza. The research used a descending hierarchical cluster analysis on a sample of 418 residents to map these attitudes, providing valuable insights for sustainable tourism planning.
Entrepreneurship, Local Fashion, Tourism Development, and the Hippie Movement: The Case of Adlib Fashion (Ibiza, Spain)
Adlib Ibiza fashion, born from the hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s, has evolved primarily as a tool for promoting tourism rather than as an independent economic sector. This study reveals that while Adlib represents a unique cultural legacy, its survival is precarious, with many small businesses collapsing upon the retirement of their founders due to their strong dependence on individual designs. Through interviews and historical analysis, researchers trace the brand's evolution from its inception in 1971 during the first Ibiza Fashion Week to its current state, suggesting a potential slow decline. The findings underscore the fragility of locally driven fashion initiatives tied to tourism development.
From Counterculture to Intangible Heritage and Tourism Supply: Artistic Expressions in Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza's transformation from a rural, isolated island to a global symbol of artistic expression and tourism is traced back to its strategic embrace of the hippie movement. The study reveals how local authorities and entrepreneurs leveraged media interest in counterculture, embedding it into Ibiza's identity as an intangible heritage asset. This approach not only differentiated the island but also cemented its reputation for freedom, harmony, and nightlife. By analyzing historical records and tourism trends, the research demonstrates the enduring impact of artistic expressions—such as music, festivals, and bohemian culture—on Ibiza's economic development and global perception.
Genome Size Variation Assessment in Vitis vinifera L. Landraces in Ibiza and Formentera (Balearic Islands)
Research reveals significant variation in genome size among Vitis vinifera L. landraces and cultivars in Ibiza and Formentera, Balearic Islands, with 2C values ranging from 1.09 pg to 1.28 pg. Statistically significant differences were observed in specific landraces ('AG1' and 'AG2') and cultivars ('Santa Magdalena', 'Garnatxa', 'Danugue', and 'Valencí tinto/Grumier'), as well as within accessions of the 'AG2' landrace group and 'Beba' cultivar. No notable differences in genome size were found between islands, marking this study as the first to report such data for Spanish Vitis accessions. The findings suggest potential relationships between genome size, adaptations to climate conditions, crop management, and ripening characteristics, warranting further investigation.
Ibiza (Spain) World Heritage Site: Socio-Urban Processes in a Touristified Space
Ibiza's historic center is undergoing significant socio-urban transformations driven by touristification and gentrification. The study reveals that the area is experiencing demographic decline, with a shrinking native population, while simultaneously becoming more museumized to cater to tourism demands. This shift reinforces its role as a supplier of complementary tourism services for sun and sand resorts across the island. The research analyzed interrelated variables—demographic dynamics, tourist accommodations, and heritage interventions derived from UNESCO's designation—using statistical data on demographics and tourism, alongside municipal heritage catalogues. Mapping these changes highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to the pressures of mass tourism.
Interpreting the Diachronic Past: Time and the Archaeological Record in the Presentation of Mediterranean World Heritage Sites
Archaeological sites, while offering unique insights into the past, present challenges in public interpretation due to their diachronic nature. This study reveals that the layered and fragmented temporal features of archaeological records hinder comprehension for non-expert audiences, particularly in Mediterranean UNESCO World Heritage Sites often overshadowed by tourism. To address this, the research analyzes interpretive exhibits from seven sites across Malta, Sardinia, Ibiza, and Minorca, assessing how diachrony is conveyed in predominantly touristic contexts. The findings highlight gaps in effective presentation strategies and propose good practices to improve public understanding of these complex historical landscapes.
Music as an Element of Tourism Innovation: Types of Nightlife Premises in Ibiza (Spain)
Ibiza's nightlife, renowned globally for its musical culture, is categorized into two primary groups: nightclubs and other premises. Nightclubs prioritize musical performances, while the latter—such as Beach Clubs and Hotel Clubs—integrate music as a secondary but differentiating element. This classification, derived from promotional materials and on-site observations, transcends legal forms to reflect innovation in tourism. The study highlights Ibiza's unique position as a model for similar destinations, offering insights into how music-driven nightlife can be systematically analyzed and understood.
Tangible and Intangible Heritage of Ibiza (Spain) and Its Potential to Be Valued as a Tourist Offer
Ibiza's cultural heritage, comprising tangible and intangible assets such as the old city of Ibiza, rural architecture, cultural landscapes, and traditional folklore, remains underpreserved and underpromoted as a tourist offering. While some restoration efforts like those on walls and rural churches have succeeded, administrative obstacles hinder effective preservation. The study highlights that despite Ibiza's global recognition for nightlife and luxury tourism, other heritage forms lack testimonial or significant presence, indicating a gap in heritage management and promotion strategies.
Territorial Social Innovation and Alternative Food Networks: The Case of a New Farmers’ Cooperative on the Island of Ibiza (Spain)
A new farmers' cooperative on the island of Ibiza, Spain, exemplifies territorial social innovation (TerriSI), demonstrating how novel social reconfigurations can enhance coordination and efficiency within alternative food networks. This study identifies key factors—such as local conditions, triggers, leadership, coordination mechanisms, and dissemination capacity—that drive socially innovative organizational models among farmers. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research provides an original framework for understanding TerriSI, offering insights into how such initiatives can promote sustainable territorial development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ibiza, where biodiversity and culture intersect with agricultural practices.
Acceptance of Tourist Offers and Territory: Cluster Analysis of Ibiza Residents (Spain)
A cluster analysis of Ibiza residents revealed five distinct profiles regarding their acceptance of tourist offers, with landscape and heritage-enhancing tourism being the most favored. The study identified clusters ranging from 'Disappointed' to 'Enthusiasts,' highlighting a general rejection of 'all-inclusive' offers and those causing local nuisances, such as nightclubs or high land-consuming developments like golf courses. This approach provides insights into resident preferences for destination development, addressing land-related challenges in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Collapse of the endemic lizardPodarcis pityusensison the island of Ibiza mediated by an invasive snake
A dramatic decline or local extinction of the endemic Ibiza wall lizard Podarcis pityusensis has been linked to the rapid spread of the invasive snake Hemorrhois hippocrepis, which colonized the island in 2003. By 2018, the snake had invaded 49% of Ibiza’s land area and was found swimming between Ibiza and surrounding islets, where at least one subspecies has already gone extinct. Transect surveys revealed a stark contrast: lizards were nearly absent in areas with snakes but abundant where they were not. This study quantifies the threat to the lizard, supporting an upgrade in its extinction risk status, and provides critical data for invasive species management and conservation efforts.
Critical Analysis of a World Heritage Site in Terms of Conservation and Tourism Promotion: The Case of “Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture” (Ibiza, Spain)
Despite its UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) status since 1999, Ibiza's 'Biodiversity and Culture' designation has failed to significantly boost tourism beyond traditional sun-and-beach offerings. A critical analysis reveals that while restoration efforts in Dalt Vila (Upper Town) and other cultural/natural elements have been successful, confusion in communication—focusing narrowly on the old town—has hindered broader appeal. Tourist visits remain seasonal, concentrated in peak summer months, and politicized decisions further complicate sustainable development. The study proposes alternative tourism strategies to better leverage Ibiza's WHS status for conservation and economic benefits.
Is the Prevalence of Leishmania infantum Linked to Breeds in Dogs? Characterization of Seropositive Dogs in Ibiza
A study on the island of Ibiza reveals that breed-specific genetic factors significantly influence the prevalence of leishmaniosis, caused by Leishmania infantum. Analyzing 3,141 dogs, researchers found a 4.74% infection rate, with Doberman Pinschers and Boxers showing notably higher susceptibility. The findings highlight a strong genetic component in disease spread, as breeds sharing common ancestors exhibited significant differences in prevalence (p < 0.05). Additionally, the study identified a correlation between antibody titers and clinical disease stage, suggesting that ineffective humoral or Th2 immune responses contribute to disease progression. This research underscores the importance of breed-related genetic predispositions in leishmaniosis and provides insights into its immunological mechanisms.
Residents’ attitudes towards nightlife supply: A comparison of Ibiza (Spain) and Punta del Este (Uruguay)
Residents' acceptance of nightlife is low in both Ibiza (Spain) and Punta del Este (Uruguay), though slightly higher in the latter, likely due to associated problems. A descending cluster analysis revealed four distinct groups: Enthusiasts, Moderates, Critics, and Negatives. In Ibiza, Critics predominate, showing a generally negative stance while acknowledging positive aspects, whereas in Punta del Este, Negatives dominate with uniformly negative responses. This study highlights the nuanced differences in resident attitudes toward nightlife in coastal tourist destinations, offering insights for sustainable tourism development.
The stunning birth of tourism on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera
A rapid tourism boom in Ibiza and Formentera during the Great Depression (1930–1934) was driven by entrepreneurial innovation, a factor often overlooked in traditional tourism development models. This study highlights how local entrepreneurs capitalized on shifting global demand, creating an internationally recognized tourist industry within a few years. By analyzing economic growth, environmental adaptation, and tourism dynamics, the research demonstrates that entrepreneurship played a pivotal role in Ibiza's transformation into a world-leading destination. The findings challenge conventional narratives by emphasizing human agency over structural or economic determinants.
An Analysis of the Cost of Water Supply Linked to the Tourism Industry. An Application to the Case of the Island of Ibiza in Spain
Tourism on Ibiza, Spain, significantly strains local water resources, with desalination becoming essential to meet demand. The study finds that natural freshwater supplies are insufficient for both residents and tourists, leading to increased reliance on costly desalinated water. Water losses in distribution networks and seasonal tourism fluctuations further exacerbate the issue. Researchers analyzed water needs against available resources using a comparative approach, revealing that tourism's additional demand must be fully met through desalination, raising regional water management costs. This highlights the economic and environmental challenges of balancing tourism growth with sustainable water supply.
La urbanización de la pobreza: de la acumulación originaria a la crisis habitacional en Ibiza
Ibiza's transformation into a global hub for hedonistic tourism has triggered severe housing inequality, with the island's capital becoming Spain's most expensive city. This study reveals how processes of mercantilization and financialization have driven displacement, linking Ibiza's historical autarchic roots to its current crisis through Lefebvrian spatial theory. By analyzing urban development from pre-tourism times to today, it exposes housing as a central mechanism in creating spatial inequality, offering a new framework for understanding urban poverty.
New onshore/offshore evidence of the Messinian Erosion Surface from key areas: The Ibiza-Balearic Promontory and the Orosei-Eastern Sardinian margin
A significant sea-level drop during the Messinian Salinity Crisis, previously debated, is confirmed by new onshore and offshore evidence from Ibiza (Balearic Promontory) and Orosei (Eastern Sardinian margin). The study reveals a widespread erosional surface linked to subaerial conditions, marked by continentalization events, indicating a regression phase correlated across both regions. Unlike prior research focused on evaporite basins or incised canyons, this work examines small drainage systems and interfluve areas, providing novel insights into the Messinian erosion's extent and depth variability. The findings support a scenario of at least one major low-stand sea level during the crisis, with disconnected evaporite subbasins at varying depths.
The Horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) on Ibiza: predator release in an invasive population
Research confirms the Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH) for the invasive Horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) on Ibiza, revealing that its population success is linked to the absence of natural predators. The study found a significantly lower tail breakage rate in the invasive Ibizan population compared to its source population in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting reduced predation pressure due to the island's limited and naïve vertebrate community. This finding supports ongoing invasive snake trapping efforts on Ibiza, where the species threatens the only endemic vertebrate, the Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis). The research highlights how understanding predator dynamics can inform strategies for managing biological invasions.
Understanding the identity of Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza's identity is characterized by six distinct dimensions: its vibrant club and discotheque scene, an exciting personality, an atmosphere of harmony, moments of collective fusion, a clubber image, and the figure of a young, liberal tourist who loves to party. This identity remains strong and stable over time, with limited potential for radical repositioning. The study used Kapferer's brand-identity prism and qualitative analysis through focus groups involving tourists who had visited Ibiza in the past to uncover these dimensions.
Investigation of diachronic dietary patterns on the islands of Ibiza and formentera, Spain: Evidence from carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratio analysis
A shift to C4 dietary resources, likely millet, characterized the Islamic period (10th–13th century AD) on Ibiza and Formentera, contrasting with earlier periods that maintained a predominantly terrestrial C3 diet. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of bone collagen from 75 fauna and 135 human samples across four chronological phases—Chalcolithic, Punic, Late Antiquity–Early Byzantine, and Islamic—revealed this dietary change. While earlier societies showed minimal marine or C4 input, the Islamic population exhibited a significant reliance on C4 resources, suggesting a unique subsistence adaptation. This finding highlights the importance of further research into Islamic-era diets in the Mediterranean to understand broader patterns.
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