Few organizations have as much influence on the economy of Ibiza and Formentera as the Hotel Business Federation. Although it typically operates behind the scenes, it plays a vital role in facilitating dialogue between the tourism sector, government agencies, and civil society. Now, the organization is entering a new phase.
Santiago García Ramón has been appointed the new director of the Ibiza and Formentera Hotel Federation, taking over from Manuel Sendino, who has begun a phased transition out of the organization as he prepares for retirement. The appointment was ratified during the Annual General Meeting held this Friday at the Parador de Ibiza.
The change comes at a particularly significant time for the Balearic Islands’ tourism sector, which is currently engaged in discussions about sustainability, housing, competitiveness, and the transformation of the tourism model.
A passing of the torch that symbolizes a new generation
Until now, García Ramón had developed close ties with the organization. In recent years, he served as secretary of the Sant Antoni and Bahía Hotel Owners Association, in addition to serving as a member of the Federation’s board of directors.
As he explained in comments reported by Diario de Ibiza, the opportunity to take on the management role arose after Manuel Sendino announced last year his intention to begin a gradual transition out of the role due to his age. The board of directors then determined that García Ramón was the right person to assume the new responsibility.
Modernization and New Challenges
The arrival of the new manager coincides with an internal modernization process that the Federation has been carrying out in recent years.
Recent initiatives include renovating the offices, updating the corporate website, and strengthening the communications department—measures designed to adapt the organization to the sector’s evolving needs.
In comments published by Diario de Ibiza, García Ramón said he was approaching this new phase with “enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility,” highlighting the organization’s efforts to modernize.
The big challenge: continuing to be useful to the industry
The hotel industry remains one of the main economic drivers of Ibiza and Formentera. Thousands of jobs and a significant portion of the islands’ business activity depend directly or indirectly on the state of the tourism industry. However, the current situation is very different from what it was just a decade ago.
Sustainability, regulations governing tourist accommodations, the shortage of housing for workers, digitalization, and growing international competition have expanded the responsibilities of business organizations.
In this context, one of the new leadership’s top priorities will be to strengthen ties with its members. As García Ramón himself explained to Diario de Ibiza, one of the main challenges is to ensure that business owners recognize the Federation’s real value as a tool for representing and defending their interests before government agencies and the public.
A key voice for the future of the islands
Beyond the hotel sector, the Federation is actively involved in some of the major debates that will shape the future of Ibiza and Formentera.
Managing tourism growth, improving infrastructure, ensuring the sustainability of the destination, and attracting talent are issues that require ongoing dialogue between government agencies and the private sector.
The arrival of Santiago García Ramón therefore represents more than just an organizational change. It marks the beginning of a new era for an institution destined to continue playing a significant role in one of the archipelago’s most strategic industries. For in regions where tourism drives a large part of the economy, the ability to represent and build consensus is just as important as the business activity itself.