Ibiza may be world-famous for its beaches, superyachts and nightlife, but behind the glamour lies a growing affordable housing crisis that threatens the island’s future.
In this episode, three Social Impact Leaders: Sofia Ribas, Anna Olivia Spenner Hernández, and Yvette Torres-Rahman, share insights from their groundbreaking research into Ibiza’s housing crisis and explore practical solutions to make living on the island viable year-round.
Affordable housing is a global problem, particularly in tourist destinations…the podcast deeply explores the challenges that underpin the problem and provides joined up ideas to tackle these crises.
Essential workers, including teachers, healthcare staff, hospitality employees and young families, are increasingly unable to access safe, affordable housing in Ibiza. Some are living in informal settlements without reliable water or electricity, while luxury tourism continues to flourish around them. The challenge is complex, urgent, and deeply personal.
Through over 200 hours of research, analysis of 50+ global case studies, 20 expert interviews, and insights from 1,000+ island residents, this initiative, supported by the Balearic Government through EU Next Generation funding, set out to reimagine housing in Ibiza through cross-sector collaboration.
In this conversation, we explore:
· What’s really driving Ibiza’s affordable housing crisis
· The human impact of informal settlements and rising housing costs
· Why data gaps are holding back effective policy
· Lessons from global destinations facing similar pressures
· How businesses, policymakers and civil society can collaborate on long-term solutions
If you’re interested in affordable housing, sustainable tourism, social impact, ESG, cross-sector collaboration, or community-led solutions, this episode offers grounded insights and hopeful pathways forward.
Because Ibiza’s future depends on ensuring the people who make the island thrive can also call it home.
Links:
Business Fights Poverty: Five bridges to 2045
Accommodation report
Sofi’s business (Ma)
TedX Ibiza
PIMEEF (SME federation for Ibiza and Formentera )
