A Spanish shipping company has come up with a new way to visit the popular island of Ibiza whilst residents battle for a tourism crackdown. Spain is one of the many countries across Europe facing a housing crisis, with overtourism at the forefront. Over the past year, residents across the country have been campaigning against increased tourism and a series of regulations have been introduced in the hope of tackling the situation.

Ibiza’s government has plans to eliminate 9,000 tourist accommodations to further tackle overtourism. Yet, in the midst of it, Trasmed, which belongs to the Grimaldi Group, is launching a project that will allow tourists to visit Ibiza by ship, whilst staying on board for the entire weekend. But the new project has been branded by as a “hidden hotel”, with some critising the initiative

The Trasmed vessel will serve as both a means of travel and accommodation, remaining docked at the island’s port for two full days – Saturday and Sunday. Passengers will then be able to enjoy Ibiza freely and return to their cabins for overnight stays.

It will be launched on the Valencia – Ibiza route every weekend from June 27 until the end of September, totalling 14 consecutive weekends. There are also plans to extend the service to the Barcelona – Menorca line, which is currently in the confirmation phases.

The Trasmed vessel experience will also include breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, access to common areas, a pool during authourised hours, reception service, onboard assistance, and cabin cleaning with towel changes both days.

Jana Peiro, Director of Passage and Marketing at Trasmed said: “We have designed an experience that adapts to different ways of travelling from those who wish to travel by car, offering the convenience of bringing everything necessary to enjoy the weekend without worries or limitations, to those who prefer travelling without a vehicle, facilitating a more sustainable and respectful trip to Ibiza.”

She also added that “by keeping the ferry docked at the port all weekend and being located a short distance from the city centre, passengers can comfortably move around on foot, eliminating any barriers related to accommodation or mobility at the destination.”

The Balearic Islands Port Authority has authorised the use of the 207 cabins on the ferry as accommodation on land. However, passengers on the hotel-ship are exempt from paying the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS) known as eco tax, as according to a spokesperson from the Balearic Ministry of Economy and Finance, the law regulating the eco tax does not include the tourist accommodation provided that Trasmed will offer to those travelling on its ship.

Tourist establishments required to pay the tax does include cruises. However it specifies that they invovle a stay on board that exceeds two nights, whereas Trasmed’s offer includes only two nights on board, with the itinerary starting each Friday at 10.30pm from Valencia, and then departing from Ibiza at 1pm with an expected arrival in Valencia at 6.30pm.

The new experience has faced criticism from various bodies. Manuel Sendio, manager of the Hotel Federation of Ibiza and Formentera says “it represents an abusive use of port facilities, which are not meant for accommodating people,” and belives it should not be authorised.

The Ibiza Council said that the Trasmed vessel is a “hidden hotel” and “unfair competition” for regulated tourism. The governing team was not at all pleased with the authorisation granted by the Balearic Port Authority, to the point that, according to a spokesperson, they will not only express their displeasure but will also ask the agency that manages the state-run ports for an explanation.

In response to the Council’s critism, Trasmed’s communications office says that it does not share “its assessment or conclusion.”

“This initiative aims to promote weekend tourism in an orderly and accessible manner, complying at all times with current regulations. In no case do we consider this to be an overstepping of our activities. We can only confirm once again that the Council demonstrates that it has no clear understanding of the true causes of road traffic or overcrowding on the island,” it states.

The shipping company also notes that, so far, no contact has been made with the council, although they have attempted to do so without even receiving a response, they claim. “We are open to dialogue. Our position has always been one of maximum collaboration and transparency,” they add.