PROVINCIA DE SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE – The regional Ministry of Tourism expects 263 cruise ships to dock in the Canary Islands by August.
This number is based on forecasts from the port authorities. Despite the fact that during the summer months the number of cruises on the Atlantic islands normally decreases, the following numbers have been reported:
151 cruises in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 63 on the island of Tenerife; 39 on La Palma; 33 in La Gomera; and 12 on El Hierro.
112 cruises anchor in the province of Las Palmas: 32 in Lanzarote; 28 in Fuerteventura; and 22 Gran Canaria.
Treat figures with caution
In statements collected by Diario de Avisos, Minister Yaiza Castilla made it clear to treat the figures with “caution”. These figures may vary depending on the evolution of the pandemic. She stressed the islands are well prepared with anticovid protocols.
Minister Castilla has insisted in recent months that the islands remain open to cruise activities. This has shown the confidence of tourists in the destination. A total of 55 cruise ships docked between November and January. Shipping companies could operate in closed circuits all over the archipelago.
In February, Aida Cruises announced it would return to the Canary Islands from 20 March with German tourists.
Yesterday, cruiseindustrynews.com wrote that the Port Authority of Las Palmas has launched a public tender. They are looking for a company to invest and operate a new cruise ship terminal in the port of Las Palmas (Gran Canaria); in addition to upgrading the current one. Facilities in the ports of Arrecife (Lanzarote) and Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) will be improved as well.
