The Canary Islands have continued their recovery from the COVID-19 downturn apace this summer with Lanzarote recording its busiest month yet in August for tourist arrivals – both domestically and internationally.
The latest data released by the Spanish airport authority AENA reveals that 370,718 tourists touched down at Cesar Manrique International in August 2023. An increase of 4.7% on August 2022 figures and further improvement on the previous month of July when Lanzarote outperformed all of the other Canary Islands in terms of holiday accommodation occupancy rates.
Foreign tourists an domestic demand
Foreign tourists accounted for just over 60% of these arrivals, totalling 224,420 passengers. With the British market leading the way by some distance with 133,169 international arrivals. Followed by Eire (30,459), France (16,592) and Germany (15,391).
Domestic demand also increased with arrivals from mainland Spain and the other Canary Islands rising by 3% and 1.5% respectively versus 20222 figures, accounting for a combined total of 146,298 passengers, or 40% of all visitors.
Reliance on British tourism
Some industry observers expected the post-Covid tourism recovery in the Canaries to occur at a much slower trajectory rate. In particular, Lanzarote’s reliance on British tourism was deemed by some as a potential barrier. However, Brexit and current upward inflationary trends in the UK have done nothing to dampen demand in Lanzarote’s largest tourist market.
As a result, Lanzarote and the Canaries, like other popular Spanish hot spots such as the Balearic, have bounced back more quicker than expected. With visitor numbers now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Market on Lanzarote remains buoyant
Where tourism leads property investment tends to follow. And despite the restrictions placed on British owners of Spanish property by the whole Brexit process – such as the 90-day rule restricting the amount of time owners can spend in their property – the market on Lanzarote remains buoyant, according to local estate agents Atlantico Homes.
“Lanzarote’s year-round climate, beautiful beaches and unique attractions will always make the island an attractive proposition for overseas buyers of all nationalities. Whether they are seeking a new home abroad, a retirement property or a holiday rental investment,” says Managing Director Jonny Bailey.
