Canary Islands Beckon Brits with Lower Hotel Prices

British tourists planning a trip to the Canary Islands are benefiting from a recent decrease in hotel prices. The islands are a highly sought-after destination for British holidaymakers, attracting nearly 6.3 million visitors last year, an increase of over half a million compared to 2023. This figure significantly surpasses the number of German visitors, the second-largest market, which brought nearly 3 million tourists.

Recent data indicates that hotel accommodation in the Canaries is becoming more affordable. A survey conducted by Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE) revealed that the average price paid per occupied hotel room in May decreased by 2% to €116.13 per night compared to the same month last year. Furthermore, the average revenue per available room also fell by 3% year-on-year to €85.96. This price reduction is partly attributed to a slight decrease in hotel occupancy rates in May, which stood at 60.9%, down from 61.7% the previous year. The earlier Easter holidays may have influenced tourist numbers in May, which falls within the quieter shoulder season. However, industry officials are optimistic about another successful year as the summer season progresses.

The Canary Islands are a popular holiday destination in Spain, where some locals have been protesting against tourism. The agency Turismo de Islas Canarias has noted an 8.4% increase in the number of seats on scheduled flights to the archipelago compared to last summer. This growth is evident across most islands, with Fuerteventura experiencing the largest increase in air capacity, followed by Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote. Despite offering numerous luxury resorts, the islands are surprisingly affordable and cater to various budgets. The most budget-friendly islands are the largest and most popular ones.

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura provide numerous value-for-money package holiday deals and offer a wider range of accommodation options compared to their smaller neighbors. These destinations are also easily accessible, with numerous flights departing from the UK via low-cost carriers. Travelers to Tenerife should consider avoiding the upmarket resorts on the Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos. The more relaxed resorts of Los Gigantes, Puerto de Santiago, and Puerto de la Cruz offer excellent value alternatives. Additionally, Lanzarote has issued a warning to certain types of tourists, indicating a preference for a specific kind of visitor.