Héctor Pulido, Vice President of ASOLAN, shared his insights into the upcoming winter tourism season during a recent statement. “In some cases, and markets, we are slightly ahead of where we were last year,” Pulido said, underscoring strong sales and growing confidence among travelers choosing Lanzarote as their holiday destination. The optimistic forecast indicates that the island remains a top choice for tourists, particularly from key European markets.
Airlines connecting Lanzarote with the UK, Germany, Norway, Finland, and Denmark:
| Country | Airline | Destinations from Lanzarote |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Ryanair | London, Manchester, Birmingham |
| United Kingdom | easyJet | London Gatwick, Bristol |
| United Kingdom | British Airways | London Heathrow |
| Germany | Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich |
| Germany | Condor | Berlin, Düsseldorf |
| Germany | Eurowings | Hamburg, Stuttgart |
| Norway | Norwegian Air Shuttle | Oslo |
| Norway | SAS | Bergen |
| Finland | Finnair | Helsinki |
| Denmark | Norwegian Air Shuttle | Copenhagen |
| Denmark | SAS | Aarhus |
Challenges in the Spanish Mainland Market
Despite the positive outlook, there are some challenges the island’s tourism industry continues to face. Pulido noted that visitor numbers from mainland Spain experienced a significant decline over the summer season, with a 25% drop in tourist arrivals from this market. This decline was largely attributed to rising flight costs.
“The increase in airfare prices led many people to choose alternative destinations,” Pulido explained, pointing out that a round-trip flight from mainland Spain to Lanzarote could cost as much as €400, which deterred many potential visitors from choosing the island for their holidays.
This increase in travel costs coincided with heightened demand for travel across Europe, leading to elevated prices for flights. As a result, many Spanish mainland tourists opted for more affordable destinations, resulting in a noticeable decrease in Lanzarote’s usual flow of domestic visitors.
Continued Strength in Key European Markets
Despite the decline in mainland Spanish visitors, several of Lanzarote’s other key markets showed positive growth. Northern European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Scandinavia, saw an uptick in tourist interest, with early winter bookings performing well. The UK market, in particular, continues to be one of Lanzarote’s strongest sources of inbound travelers, with holidaymakers seeking the island’s year-round sunshine and mild winter climate.
Additionally, German travelers, known for favoring the island’s natural attractions and outdoor activities, also contributed to Lanzarote’s robust winter bookings. With high consumer confidence and the continued popularity of beach destinations, Lanzarote is poised to capture a significant portion of the European winter holiday market.
Tourism Model Protest Planned for October 20
While Lanzarote’s tourism industry prepares for a positive winter season, the island is also facing ongoing discussions about its tourism model. A protest is scheduled for October 20th in Puerto del Carmen, where demonstrators are expected to express concerns about the island’s reliance on mass tourism and its potential environmental and social impacts.
Héctor Pulido, commenting on the upcoming protest, adopted a balanced perspective. “It’s good that people express their opinions,” he said, while urging that the rights of tourists to enjoy their holidays are respected and that the protest does not disrupt planned activities or harm the overall tourist experience.
The mayor of Tías, José Juan Cruz, also weighed in on the matter, recognizing the importance of tourism to both the municipality and the island at large. While he did not explicitly take sides in the debate over the island’s tourism model, Cruz emphasized the need for continued development. “I’m clear on where I stand with tourism,” he stated. “I know where we want to go, and the future will involve a third modernization plan for Puerto del Carmen, and eventually a fourth because we cannot afford to stand still.”
This acknowledgment reflects the island’s reliance on tourism for economic growth, but also signals a readiness to address concerns surrounding sustainable development and the future of Lanzarote as a tourist destination.
Puerto del Carmen and the Future of Lanzarote’s Tourism Industry
The development of Puerto del Carmen, one of Lanzarote’s most important tourism hubs, is central to the island’s long-term tourism strategy. As Lanzarote’s primary destination for foreign tourists, Puerto del Carmen’s infrastructure, hotel capacity, and attractions are being continuously modernized to ensure that it remains competitive and attractive to global visitors.
The town’s modernization plan, mentioned by Mayor Cruz, reflects a vision for a more sustainable and well-managed tourism future. The third and fourth phases of this plan will likely focus on enhancing the town’s infrastructure, improving the quality of services offered to tourists, and addressing concerns about over-tourism. Balancing economic growth with sustainability is a priority for Lanzarote’s leaders as they seek to preserve the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while catering to millions of visitors annually.
Positive Winter Outlook for Lanzarote
Despite the challenges in the Spanish mainland market and concerns about the island’s tourism model, all signs point to a successful winter season for Lanzarote. Industry insiders are confident that occupancy rates will exceed 80%, driven by strong demand from European markets and the island’s reputation as a reliable winter sun destination.
With growing customer confidence, improving sales, and early bookings indicating strong interest from international travelers, Lanzarote’s winter season is expected to contribute significantly to the island’s economy. As always, beach tourism remains a major draw, but the island is increasingly promoting its cultural and natural attractions, including the Timanfaya National Park, the Cueva de los Verdes, and various outdoor adventure opportunities.
Lanzarote is particularly well-suited for tourists seeking outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports during the winter months, when temperatures remain mild and pleasant. The island’s year-round climate makes it an appealing choice for travelers looking to escape the colder weather in northern Europe.
Sustainability and the Future of Tourism on Lanzarote
Looking ahead, the focus on sustainability will remain central to Lanzarote’s tourism strategy. Both the Lanzarote Hotel and Tourism Association (ASOLAN) and local government officials are working to strike a balance between maintaining high levels of tourism and preserving the island’s natural environment.
Discussions about the island’s future tourism model will likely continue in the coming months, with particular attention on how to diversify Lanzarote’s offerings and promote more sustainable tourism practices. While mass tourism has been the engine of the island’s economy for decades, there is growing recognition that preserving Lanzarote’s unique landscapes and heritage will be key to ensuring its long-term success as a destination.
Conclusion: Optimism for Lanzarote’s Winter Tourism Season
As Lanzarote gears up for the winter tourism season, industry experts are optimistic about the months ahead. With expected occupancy rates over 80% and strong interest from key European markets, the island is poised for a successful winter.
While the decline in mainland Spanish visitors and rising airfare costs present challenges, the overall outlook remains positive, thanks to Lanzarote’s continued appeal as a top destination for winter sun. The island’s focus on modernizing its infrastructure and balancing tourism with sustainability will be crucial to its success in the years to come.
Tags: Héctor Pulido, ASOLAN,Tías, José Juan Cruz, Lanzarote, Spain,
