The White Isle is apparently not too happy with MTV Spain about its plan to film their version of the Jersey Shore in Ibiza, titled Ibiza Shore. The President of Ibiza's local government, Vicent Torres, has spoken out against the show is attempting to rally support from local politicians to try to deny the show the necessary permits to commence filming.
MTV Spain announced its plans to bring eight individuals to the island where they would stay in a house together, drink and party all summer long. This drunk party image is something that Ibiza has been trying to move away from ever since it has grown exponentially popular, especially in the West-End of San Antonio that is known to host largely UK partygoers.
"If we can stop this, we will," vowed Torres to The Guardian. He noted, "It's a matter of image, that's what worries us."
Torres admits that the going will be tough to block the show even if it might go against the image rehabilitation program that they have put in action over the past few years.
"We know that it's hard to impede this show from being made, but we're encouraging everyone to do what they can to avoid Ibiza Shore becoming a reality," he tells The Guardian. "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."
Local caterers are among the first to try to block Ibiza Shore's attempt to land on the island. Caterer Association president Alexis Carini, of El Catering Francés, notes that the decision will cost him around €27,000. However, that sum is worth it in the end.
"For the past few years we've been working to change the image of Ibiza, after years of reports about vulgarity, drugs and people vomiting in the streets," Carani said. "That's not how the island is any more."
This is not the first time MTV has attempted to bring one of their party shows to Ibiza. In 2012, the Viacom-owned media brand premiered Gandía Shore, which only lasted a season.
Not allowing Ibiza Shore is a step, but the government and the island as a whole needs to take a long hard look at itself to see if the once pristine image it once had is ever going to come back and if so, how that might happen. The idea for Ibiza Shore didn't happen by accident.
Below is a reminder of what Ibiza has in store.
