Island politicians campaign to send Ibiza Shore packing

POLITICIANS on the holiday island of Ibiza are taking steps to stop the filming of a new series in the MTV reality franchise that includes Geordie Shore. The president of Ibiza’s local government, Vicent Torres, said fears over the series’ possible impact on the island’s reputation had prompted the move.
The show puts cast members in a house, provides plenty of booze, and follows the ensuing antics. “That’s a side of Ibiza that we’re not interested in at all,” said Torres.
Members of Podemos have joined socialist Torres in the campaign, a party statement reading: “We know that it’s hard to stop this show from being made, but we’re encouraging everyone to do what they can to avoid Ibiza Shore becoming a reality.
“It’s up to all of us to associate Ibiza’s name with quality tourism and avoid, as much as possible, connecting Ibiza with these kinds of stereotypes and embarrassing clichés.”
Ibiza’s image has changed over the years, from a retreat for hippies in the early days of tourism to the island, to a venue for cutting-edge house music in the 80s and 90s. Some resorts, such as San Antonio Playa d’en Bossa have kept their reputation as party capitals, but now many parts of the ‘White Isle’ are seeking to promote a more sophisticated approach to tourism.
But with a flight from Glasgow almost having to be grounded recently as flight crew repeatedly warned young revellers to stop swearing and rowdy behaviour, it’s been tough to throw off the raving reputation.
The Shore franchise has made one previous show in Spain, which also brushed politicians up the wrong way. Gandia Shore, set in the Costa Blanca town, finished up after one series, when the local council voted to ask producers to remove the name of the town from the programme’s title.