There are hundreds of reasons that can lead to a bad experience or an unenjoyable holiday in any resort or any city in the world, unfortunately, that's just a fact of life. Anything from the likes of being pickpocketed or having bad weather all week, to getting food poisoning or having to be hospitalised due to an accident, are all reasons that people will, understandably, decide not to go back somewhere.
However, following the “Tourist go home” graffiti and the 20A demonstrations we’re now seeing and hearing a new phenomenon, the "Sadly, we won't be back next year!" one.
As a long-term resident of Tenerife (over 30 years) I’ve heard and dealt with people who have experienced all of these, as anomalies will always occur, even though the vast majority of visitors to the Canary Islands have a great time, which is all that anybody can really ask for. However, it’s those who have been coming to the islands for years and love it here, yet, have now decided that they have become unaffordable - whether that be due to flights, hotels or prices within the resort.
I've either heard or read all three of these over the past year or so, multiple times and, whilst it's a shame, however, the authorities are publishing record visitor numbers which makes you wonder if it's at all important and will harm the islands.
The four main Canary Islands have always relied on regular visitors since tourism started some 60 years ago. It's a testament to the islands that there are so many people who come anything from once a year up to five times a year, year after year. Not to mention those who spend three months at a time here, and consider it a second home, or a home from home.
That said, it's important to remember that those visitors aren't unique, and, that the number of regulars is growing all the time, as more and more people fall in love with all different aspects of these incredibly diverse islands.
This has, in part led to some deeming them not to be cost-worthy anymore.
One of the first economics lessons you have teaches you the correlation between demand and prices. Thereby, in this situation, it seems that there are long-time visitors to the island who feel that they have been priced out of the market due to its high demand.
As I have already stated, it's a shame. However, there is a flip side to what can only be described as "moaning" by some of these people. Let's see how it stacks up.
I'd like to go to the Maldives every year. That would be my first choice of holiday. However, I don't go to the Maldives every year because it's too expensive. The flights and resorts stay busy enough without me. Unless people suddenly stop wanting to go to the Maldives, the price is unlikely to fall, and unfortunately, I won't be going to the Maldives.
Now, what I would never do is write on an "I love the Maldives" group on social media stating that I can't afford to go there and that it's their loss, I just accept it and get on with my life. I'm not arrogant or naive enough to think that the Maldives need my money, that's crazy. It is what it is, I'll go elsewhere.
Why is it that people feel that it's their right to come to the Canary Islands on holiday just because they've been before? The islands are more popular than ever and insanely busy right now, especially since the pandemic. So, if you don't use those flight seats or hotel rooms, somebody else will.
Statements like "I'll have to spend my euros elsewhere next year" don’t affect anything and just sound naïve, especially as those writing them have completely misunderstood the situation and have been duped by the UK press because the truth of the matter is, someone else will be here to spend their euros instead of you.
This has been proven by the fact that the island's economy grew by almost 10% last year, an unprecedented amount for virtually any stable market in the world. However, to imagine that it would have no knock-on effect on prices due to supply and demand is just unrealistic.
Whilst I sympathise with those who love the islands, and understand the annoyance at not being able to afford to visit anymore, I think it's important to remember that they simply aren't in a position to insinuate that the island will be worse off without them… it's simply not the case.
I’d like to add that there are still cheap prices out there, so, shop around. Sometimes people bag some real bargains. This may mean booking well in advance, or it may entail looking for a last-minute bargain, either way, if you're willing to compromise on things, they are out there. And don’t forget, looking to the future, prices may well fall!
With the British press clearly lacking things to write and talk about, their massively uninformed and pathetic scapegoating attempts to destroy particularly Tenerife’s tourist industry, may well come to fruition! Time will tell, although forecasts are for another record-breaking year across the Canary Islands.
