- The announcement was made by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sánchez, at the Paradores stand at FITUR.
- Since Monday 26th, it has been possible to make reservations on the Paradores website, and the first guests will be able to stay at the establishment from 10th March onwards.
- The works, with a total cost of €43.2 million, have involved one of the largest archaeological excavations in Spain in recent years and the restoration of the historical heritage of Dalt Vila, which will now be open to the public thanks to its conversion into an interpretation centre.
- ‘This establishment will not be just another hotel,’ said Rosario Sánchez, because, due to its characteristics, ‘it will open with a clear vocation to promote the island’s heritage and cultural interest and attract respectful and responsible tourism.’
The Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sánchez, announced last Friday, 23rd, at FITUR that the new Parador de Ibiza will be inaugurated with an official ceremony on 23rd February, following a total investment of €43.2 million in a project that has also involved one of the largest archaeological excavations in Spain in recent years and the restoration of the historical heritage of Dalt Vila, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which will now be partially opened to the public.
Rosario Sánchez, at an event also attended by the mayor of Ibiza, Rafael Triguero; the president of Paradores, Raquel Sánchez; and the director general of Turespaña, Miguel Sanz, also announced that reservations will be available on the Paradores website starting next Monday, 26 January, so that the first guests can stay at the establishment starting on 10 March.
‘The Parador de Ibiza will not be just another parador, it will be the first to open in the Balearic Islands and its opening will also make it one of the great jewels of the Paradores network in Spain,’ said Rosario Sánchez, adding that, due to its characteristics, ‘this establishment will be a new tourist attraction and part of the island’s heritage, and it will open with a clear commitment to promoting Ibiza and attracting cultural tourism that respects the environment and historical legacy.’
In 2004, the decision was made to convert the 16th-century fortress of Dalt Vila, which had been closed since the 1980s, into a Parador hotel. Work began in 2009, but the discovery of archaeological remains forced a complete rethink of the project and a significant increase in its budget. Work was halted in 2012 and did not resume until 2019, when the Spanish government approved an additional contribution of €21.1 million to complete it.
‘We are aware of the years of waiting until this moment and the technical problems involved in carrying out a project of this magnitude, which has gone far beyond the opening of a parador,’ said the Secretary of State for Tourism, ‘but I want to emphasise this government’s unequivocal commitment to opening the Parador de Ibiza, and the immense effort, work and investment made by Turespaña, Paradores de Turismo and the Secretary of State for Tourism.’
Showcasing archaeological heritage and artistic proposals
One of the project’s major milestones has been the incorporation of an ambitious plan to turn nine archaeological sites into a museum within an interpretation centre integrated into the Parador itself. The most important remains found during the excavations will be explained through infographics, posters and audiovisual projections. Some of these excavations have been restored so that they can be visited by guests and the general public. This space makes the Parador a strategic asset for the cultural development and diversification of tourism on the island.
This cultural attraction is complemented by a carefully curated artistic programme that includes painting, sculpture, photography, installation and ceramics, with works by established and contemporary artists. The programme, inspired by the light, the sea and the cultural tradition of Ibiza, transforms the historic building into a living gallery in dialogue with its surroundings.
Deseasonalisation and specific promotion for residents of the Balearic Islands
In terms of hotel accommodation, Paradores de Turismo has invested a further €3.5 million in refurbishing the Parador de Ibiza, which will have 41 rooms for guests. Spread over five buildings, the establishment will have a wellness area, outdoor swimming pool, solarium, café, restaurant, lounges and terraces. The courtyard, covered with a light textile structure and equipped with a small auditorium overlooking the port and the cathedral bell tower, expands the hotel’s spaces and will allow night-time events to be held in a unique setting.
In contrast to a tourism model that is highly concentrated in the summer months, the Parador de Ibiza will offer something that will attract cultural and heritage demand beyond the high season, reinforcing the economic and social sustainability of the destination.
In this first year, the goal is to exceed 85% occupancy. From the second year onwards, with the hotel open all year round, the Parador aims to maintain occupancy levels above 80%, consolidating a solid, seasonally adjusted model.
Paradores de Turismo will apply a model of integration with residents in the Balearic Islands, with the launch of a specific promotion for residents of the Balearic Islands. The aim is that, from the first year, around 10% of the Parador’s customers will be Balearic residents, strengthening the hotel’s links with the local population. The Parador is thus conceived not only as accommodation for visitors, but also as a landmark for the island, open to those who live there and feel it is their own.
Source: MINTUR Press