Tourism in Fuerteventura reached a historic milestone in 2024, with total revenues reaching €3 billion. This remarkable achievement reflects the island's thriving tourism sector, according to Marlene Figueroa, the Councillor for Tourism at the Cabildo Insular.
Figueroa emphasised that this success presents an opportune moment to advocate for improved labour conditions and better distribution of profits to benefit the local economy.
Record-Breaking Quarterly Figures
Data consolidated by the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics (ISTAC) shows that third-quarter revenues in 2024 totalled €760 million, marking a 1.1% increase from the same period in 2023. This builds on strong performances earlier in the year, with €586 million recorded in the second quarter (a 9.6% increase from 2023) and €810 million in the first quarter (a 15.2% rise compared to the previous year).
Preliminary figures for the fourth quarter suggest a continuation of this upward trend, with projections exceeding the €772 million reported in the same quarter of 2023. The total revenue for 2024 is expected to surpass €3 billion, solidifying years of sustained growth in the island's tourism industry.
Spending Trends and Occupancy Rates
The average expenditure per tourist per trip in 2024 ranged from €1,231 in the second quarter to €1,478 in the third. Although slightly lower than the previous year, this is attributed to a modest decline in average stay duration and increased independent travel arrangements, driven by enhanced regular air connectivity.
Hotel occupancy remained consistently high, averaging over 90% throughout the year, with peaks exceeding 96% during summer and December. Non-hotel accommodations also performed well, maintaining occupancy rates above 80%.
Enhanced Air Connectivity for 2025
Looking ahead, Fuerteventura is set to experience significant growth in air connectivity in the first half of 2025, becoming the second most connected Canary Island.
This growth will primarily focus on key markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and mainland Spain, ensuring the island remains an accessible and attractive destination.
Preparations for FITUR 2025
With just two weeks until the FITUR 2025 tourism fair, the Fuerteventura Tourism Board reports positive trends across all key indicators, including total tourist arrivals, average stay duration, overnight stays, and tourism expenditure.
The board plans to bolster its promotional efforts by revitalising the Product Club, which focuses on showcasing Fuerteventura’s Biosphere Reserve, natural and cultural heritage, coastal attractions, local gastronomy, and unique experiences.
Special emphasis will be placed on promoting wellness, "slow island" experiences, stargazing, and the island’s appeal for remote work, events, and congresses.
Budget Allocation and Strategic Goals for 2025
For 2025, the Tourism Board has an allocated budget of €3.4 million with a third designated for promotional activities. The focus will be on efficient and results-oriented investments, ensuring the sustainability of tourism growth.
Councillor Figueroa highlighted that, alongside robust connectivity and occupancy levels, priorities for 2025 include enhancing the quality and competitiveness of the tourism offerings and increasing the economic return for local communities. By addressing these goals, Fuerteventura aims to sustain its position as a leading tourism destination while fostering greater equity in the distribution of the industry’s benefits.
