Advanced summer bookings to the Canary Islands have increased by more than one third as British holidaymakers look to “trusted” destinations that are safe and secure.
“For next summer (2016) we have seen a 38% increase in packages sold,” the destination’s new Regional Minister for Tourism, Ms María Teresa Lorenzo, told Travel Daily UK at this week’s World Travel Market (WTM).
“I think security concerns are the main reason for this increase in advanced bookings because they (British holidaymakers) are not sure about travelling to other destinations,” she said. “The Canary Islands are safe and a destination they trust.”
The UK is the number one market for the Canaries representing more than 30% of total arrivals to the six islands the destination comprises. Tenerife remains the favourite island for the Brits, followed by Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma and El Hierro respectively.
“The UK market is extremely important to us and it’s still growing,” said Lorenzo. “From January to September this year more than three million British tourists visited the island, an increase of 3.3% compared to the same period last year (January to September 2014).
The strong value of Sterling versus the Euro, the Canaries’ all-year-round warm climate, and its diverse offering, from beach and sun holidays to nature, adventure and sports-based visitor experiences were key factors driving more Brits to the destination, Lorenzo added.
As a result, the repeat business rate from the UK was a staggering 84%, she revealed.
Lorenzo said her job was to build on this momentum by lobbying for improved air connectivity from the UK to the Canaries, with a focus on flights from the North and South West England.
“We also need to renovate hotels, provide modern infrastructure and invest in the islands to ensure they remain attractive,” she added.
The Canary Islands has also launched a website – hellocanaryislands.com – which features more than 2,600 photographs, videos and other resources highlighting the islands’ attractions.
It includes a feature that allows holidaymakers to share their pictures and experiences via social media channels.
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