Jessica de León: The presence of the Canary Islands at FITUR provides the sector with an important business platform.
In the following interview,the Canary Islands Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jessica de León, highlights that theislands are a consolidated and safe destination, where tourism demand has recovered quickly after the pandemic. She explains that the presence of the Canary Islands at FITUR "provides the Canary Islands sector with an important business platform, while at the same time allowing it to project a unique image of the group of destinations that make up the archipelago in order to attract the attention of the end consumer".
How is the tourism sector performing this year in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are an established and safe destination, where tourism demand has recovered rapidly after the pandemic.
Do you foresee a new tourism record in 2024?
Although demand is growing, the destination is focusing on other ratios that are directly linked to the increase in tourist spending and the extension of the average stay.
In addition to sun and sand tourism, do you plan to promote other segments?
The fact that the main competitive resource of the Canary Islands is mild, year-round climate only enhances the wide-ranging and competitive tourism offer in other categories. The islands stand out for their natural resources both on the coast and inland, with 40% of their territory under some form of environmental protection; four national parks: El Teide in Tenerife; Garajonay in La Gomera; Timanfaya in Lanzarote, and Taburiente in La Palma; and three islands: La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro geared towards the category of Nature tourism.
In terms of active tourism, the islands boast excellent conditions for surfing, hiking, diving, cycling and sailing, with excellent resources and conditions that attract professionals and amateurs alike, and which are the chosen venue for renowned international championships. The schools and instructors spread throughout the territory welcome a multitude of visitors who want to take up the sport.
And in cultural tourism?
The Islands have historically been a cultural meeting point as a result of their strategic geographical position in the Atlantic. This mix of cultures has forged an interesting cultural richness with three world heritage sites: the whistled language of the island of La Gomera; the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna in Tenerife; and Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria.
In addition, the Canary Islands stand out for being a popular choice among LGTBI+ travellers, for being a destination for the sports training of many professional teams and also for its wide MICE offer, which ensures natural and leisure resources with attractive climate at any time of the year.
Comprehensive information on all these resources will be available at the destination's stand.
How does your participation in FITUR each year contribute to boosting tourism in the Canary Islands?
FITUR is a meeting place for the international tourism industry and of special relevance for the domestic industry, allowing us to feel the pulse of the market and share forecasts and projects for the year ahead. For the Canary Islands sector travelling to Madrid, the presence of the Canary Islands at this event provides an important business platform, as well as projecting a unique image of the group of destinations that make up the archipelago in order to attract the attention of the end customer.