Tourism in Fuerteventura has reached a historic milestone in 2024, with total revenues exceeding €3 billion, around £2.5bn.
According to Marlene Figueroa, the Councillor for Tourism at the Cabildo Insular, this achievement reflects the resilience and growth of the island’s tourism sector.
However, it comes against a backdrop of ongoing debates about the impact of mass tourism on the Canary Islands.
Over the spring and summer of 2024, thousands of anti-mass tourism protesters gathered across the Canary Islands, including in Fuerteventura, to voice concerns over overtourism.
Protesters highlighted issues such as skyrocketing housing costs, resource depletion and the environmental damages which they believe are all exacerbated by the region’s reliance on tourism.
Many locals argued for a shift toward a more sustainable tourism model that balances economic benefits with the needs of residents and the environment.
Despite these tensions, Fuerteventura’s tourism industry continues to thrive. The island, known for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and year-round warm climate, remains a popular destination.
Located just 100 kilometres off the north coast of Africa, Fuerteventura attracts millions of visitors annually, particularly from the United Kingdom.
In 2023, 17.3 million British tourists travelled to Spain, making the UK the top source of international visitors, accounting for 20.4% of the country’s total tourist numbers.
Economic data consolidated by the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics (ISTAC) underscores the industry’s strength. In the third quarter of 2024, Fuerteventura recorded revenues of €760million (£633m), a 1.1% increase from the same period in 2023.
This followed a robust second quarter, with revenues reaching €586m (£488m) — a 9.6% year-on-year increase — and an impressive €810,(£675m) in the first quarter, reflecting a 15.2% rise compared to 2023.
While this is a significant economic achievement, it raises questions about how the Canary Islands can manage the challenges of overtourism and ensure a sustainable future for both residents and visitors.