Tourism Trade Association Forecasts Softer Summer for Canary Islands Tourism

Hotels and holiday accommodation providers across the Canary Islands are preparing for a quieter summer than in the past two years, according to the latest survey by the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics (ISTAC).

The report, based on responses from tourism businesses, predicts an overall decline in visitor numbers across most of the islands’ key international markets. The only exception is Spain’s domestic market, where modest growth is expected.

German Market Causes Greatest Concern

Tourism operators are most concerned about the German market, with businesses expressing their most pessimistic outlook for German visitors. Previous ISTAC surveys have generally proved accurate once official tourism figures were released.

There is also caution regarding visitors from Scandinavia, although expectations are not as negative as those for Germany.

British Market Expected to Ease Slightly

The United Kingdom, which remains the largest source market for Lanzarote and typically accounts for around half of all visitors, is also expected to see a slight decline after several years of consistently strong performance.

Smaller decreases are also forecast in other important European markets, including Ireland, France and Italy, while visitor numbers from non-European countries are also expected to fall, although these markets represent only a small share of total arrivals.

The only positive trend is expected among Spanish travellers, with both mainland residents and visitors from other Canary Islands forecast to increase slightly. However, growth is expected to be more modest than in recent summers.

Occupancy Rates to Remain Below 90%

The anticipated fall in visitor numbers is expected to keep accommodation occupancy below 90% throughout the summer.

July is forecast to finish with occupancy of around 80%, with hotels expected to outperform apartments and other holiday accommodation. August is expected to record similar figures, while September occupancy is forecast to ease to around 75%, with hotels performing slightly below non-hotel accommodation.