New study claims that Ibiza’s club promoter tactics are negatively impacting small businesses
It follows news that Ibiza’s venues raked in some €160 million in ticket sales last year Continue reading...
A new study claims that Ibiza ’s largest clubs are causing a "downward trend" in the profits of small businesses on the White Isle, according to Diario de Ibiza .
The study, commissioned by Noches de Ibiza Association of Nightlife Businesses (AEON), was carried out between July and August 2026 using an assortment of methods such as on-site observations and analysis of pricing and ticket sale systems.
As a result, the study claims that the "growing sophistication" of marketing models used by large hotel and "club monopolies" is causing smaller businesses to suffer.
It found that many bars and restaurants in the Ibiza Town port are currently seeing fewer tourists, or tourists leaving earlier than usual amidst a growing number of club models that encourage attendees to arrive earlier with pre-paid tickets.
According to Diario de Ibiza, the study concludes that this is a direct result of discounts for arriving to clubs early, the offer of drinks packages and free transport services before certain times.
It claims that this is affecting independent bars in the Ibiza Harbour and San Antonio areas of the island, with a reduction in the amount of money tourists are spending at these small businesses.
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The study claims that these businesses face "unfair competition", arguing that the "only ones losing out are the owners of bars and restaurants in Ibiza [Old Town] and Sant Antonio, who are seeing their customers disappear".
It follows the latest IMS Music Business Report in April, which revealed that Ibiza's nightclubs raked in some €160 million in ticket sales last year, €10 million more than in 2024, despite fewer events taking place and fewer tourists visiting the island.
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