Ibiza loses its party reputation as clubbers head to Greece

Ibiza appears to be losing its reputation as a young party destination as more middle-aged holidaymakers book to go to the island, according to Thomas Cook.

The operator has shared passenger booking data that reveals bookings for 18-29 year olds are declining while bookings for 30-39 year olds are on the rise.

In recent years, Ibiza has attracted some high-profile ‘fuddy-duddies’, including politicians David Cameron, who was photographed on holiday there in 2011 and Ed Miliband, who escaped to the island in 2015 after stepping down as Labour Party leader.

According to Thomas Cook, one in six bookings have shifted from the under 30s age group to the 30-39 category in the past five years and family holidays to Ibiza have risen 6%.

By contrast, young people have been gradually been moving away from the established party capital of the world, to more affordable clubbing experiences in Greece.

Year-on-year bookings to Greece have increased significantly among customers aged under 25.

Popular Greek Islands Kos and Zante have seen bookings double for under 25s since 2009, while bookings for over 50s are declining year on year.

Thomas Cook said: "The young partygoers who are looking for alternative and more affordable options to Ibiza are choosing the likes of Kardamena in Kos, where they can party into the early hours on Bar Street. 

"Zante’s Laganas Strip is another favourite and is considered one of Europe’s most popular party hotspots for the under 25s who don’t see the appeal of Ibiza and are on a tighter budget." 

Thomas Cook UK product director Tony Hopkins added: "Ibiza is changing as its customers’ tastes change.

"The happy hardcore of the 90s and early 2000s is giving way to chill out beats to suit a growing band of 30-somethings and their young families.

"It’s always been a cool destination and it’s now getting more exclusive.  The hotels on the island have invested wisely in their offer to customers which have kept customers coming back as their tastes and priorities change.

"Kos and Zante’s dedicated party areas are attractive to young revellers looking for a more affordable alternative to Ibiza.

"Greece is having a bumper year and these emerging party islands just help to broaden Greece’s offer even more, while customers looking for the ‘Mamma Mia’ experience have a huge range of authentic Greek hotels and restaurants across its thousands of islands."

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