POST-WAR AND INVOLVEMENT OF RESIDENTS IN IBIZA

Abstract

Ibiza is a Mediterranean island with a very strong economic dependence on tourism.
Ibiza is a tourist destination known for its sun and beach offer, complemented by a range
of world-famous nightlife. Although the tourism industry on the island appeared in the
first third of the twentieth century, the Spanish Civil War, the Second World War and the
international blockade to the Franco’s regime wiped out tourism in the island for a decade.
But the sufferings and economic miseries derived from these political facts boosted
tourism revival more strongly on the island due to increased involvement of residents
in the new industry. Residents’ involvement coupled with a spirit of tolerance to the
habits of visitors fostered the island towards a ‘tourism boom’ that received international
media coverage. This paper aims to show that Ibiza is a good example of the importance
of these two elements (involvement and tolerance) for tourism development in a region.