The Canary Islands are poised to close 2024 with unprecedented tourism figures, with an increase in the number of people visiting the islands and spending. This surge has contributed to a tourism spending total of nearly €22 billion, setting new records for the sector.
According to a report by the Gran Canarias Chamber of Commerce and the Excelcan alliance, the archipelago will welcome over 17.7 million visitors this year, marking an increase of 1.5 million compared to 2023.
Breaking Down the Numbers
· Visitor Statistics: Of the total visitors, 11 million were international tourists, while over 1.5 million were domestic travellers from within Spain. The year is expected to close with 100 million overnight stays, underscoring the Canary Islands' popularity.
· Economic Impact: Tourism now accounts for a growing share of the Canary Islands' GDP, which stands at an estimated €50–52 billion. This economic boom highlights the importance of the sector to the archipelago.
Employment Challenges
Despite the record-breaking growth, the industry faces a persistent challenge: a shortage of qualified workers. José Miguel González, director of the report prepared by the consultancy Corporación Cinco, noted that the tourism sector could easily absorb up to 70,000 new workers if they could find them. This is a pressing issue in a region where the unemployment rate remains at 14%.
Factors Driving Growth
Santiago de Armas, president of Excelcan, attributed the sector's success to several factors:
1. Market Diversification: Expanding its appeal across different demographics and regions.
2. Winter Tourism Strength: A robust winter season has solidified the Canary Islands as a year-round destination.
3. Improved Air Connectivity: Increased flight routes have made the archipelago more accessible than ever.
However, de Armas cautioned about potential challenges in the summer of 2025, including geopolitical uncertainties that may affect tourism trends.
Focus on Sustainability
Tourism spending in the Canary Islands reached €5.16 billion in Q3 of 2024, a 23.8% increase from the previous quarter. While this growth demonstrates the region's strong appeal, experts emphasize the need for a shift toward high-value, sustainable tourism.
"The Canary Islands must take a leadership role in European sustainable tourism," said de Armas. He also highlighted the importance of engaging with the newly appointed EU tourism commissioner to ensure the sector's continued success.
With positive projections extending through Easter 2025, the Canary Islands are cementing their status as a tourism powerhouse. However, to maintain their competitive edge, the region must address critical challenges, including workforce development, sustainability, and adapting to an ever-changing global landscape. Moving forward, the focus will be on creating a sustainable and resilient tourism model that secures long-term success for the region.
