Two of the most popular tourist hotspots in the Canary Islands are grappling with an impending crisis as tourists from a huge European country have “stopped visiting”.
Tenerife and Lanzarote are among the famous tourist spots for people across the world, however, recently the air ticket tax increased by the German government has become a cause of concern for the authorities.
The Canary Islands tourism sector has expressed worry over the German Government’s plan to raise the tax on air tickets by 19 percent, deeming the measure as detrimental to the islands.
Following the increase, passengers are expected to incur taxes ranging from 15.53 euros to 70.83 euros, compared to the current rates of 13.03 euros to 59.43 euros.
Nicolás Villalobos, the General Director of the Cordial Group, is concerned about the German Government’s implemented measure, labeling it as “very bad news.”
He emphasised the significance of the German market for the Canary Islands, particularly Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
As the Germans have not fully recovered their pre-pandemic tourism numbers, there is considerable uncertainty about their trajectory in 2024, influenced by the economic situation in the country.
The German ambassador to Spain, Margarete Gosse has cautious optimism regarding the trajectory of German tourism this year and does not anticipate that the rise in ticket prices will deter Germans from traveling, considering their resilience following the challenges of recent years.
She told Eldia: “There is no destination in Europe that has this pleasant, summery weather all year round. That is one of the most important factors.
“In addition, the landscapes are also very diverse and very beautiful. The Canary Islands have a very professional and welcoming tourism sector, which is why it offers vacation possibilities for older people, for people with children and for all needs. Those are the three most important points.”
Situated off the northwest coast of Africa, Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, stands out as a welcoming retreat with abundant warmth and activities during the winter months, making it a delightful destination in December.
Thanks to its unique geography, the island is poised as a potential candidate for the title of the warmest place in Europe, providing a distinctive escape for those in search of a sun-filled respite.
For travelers, Tenerife is accessible through two international airports – Tenerife North and Tenerife South – both well-connected to major European cities. Additionally, ferries are available from mainland Spain and other Canary Islands, providing varied options for reaching this paradise.
Lanzarote, situated in the Canary Islands, Spain, experiences popularity during the summer months, but January sees fewer tourist crowds.
Notably, the island enjoys a mild and sunny winter, with an average maximum temperature exceeding 22C, as reported by TUI.
Distinguished by its volcanic characteristics, Lanzarote sets itself apart from the other Canary Islands. It provides captivating moonscapes for travelers who seek trekking adventures instead of simply lounging by the beach.
The island showcases lava fields with black and red earth, creating a striking contrast with immaculate whitewashed houses. This unique blend forms a breathtaking panorama on an island that also serves as a designated biosphere reserve.
For those who adore beach experiences, Lanzarote doesn’t disappoint, offering pristine white and golden sands around its resort hotspots.
