A group of five American journalists have been exploring Tenerife as a tourist destination in collaboration with the Island Council through Turismo de Tenerife. These professionals work for renowned media such as USA Today, Esquire and Wine Enthusiast, among others. The possibility of increasing the frequency of Tenerife-New York flights, attracting more tourists, is one of the key points.
Lope Afonso, Vice-President and Councillor for Tourism of the Island Council, stressed the importance of the United States as a preferential market for the island. Ties with this outbound market have been strengthened through various actions, such as participation in trade fairs and the intention to extend air connections between Tenerife South and New York. In recent years, before the pandemic, there was a 76% increase in the number of American visitors, and now the aim is to consolidate this outbound market.
Dimple Melwani, CEO of Tenerife Tourism, highlighted the efforts to position the island in the North American market and underlined the increased interest in the island thanks to the knowledge of its attractions. She also mentioned the objective of continuing to make progress in this direction, especially through collaboration with United Airlines and its direct flight to Tenerife, which would reactivate the flow of passengers to the island.
The programme of the journalists’ stay on the island, which took place from the 9th to the 15th of this month, included various visits and activities, such as hiking, whale watching in Los Gigantes, wine tasting at Bodega El Lomo, a visit to the Cueva del Viento in Icod de los Vinos and exploring the history of Garachico and Puerto de la Cruz.
The journalists taking part in this experience include Vicki Denig, specialising in wine and travel; Rachel Belkin, focusing on travel, business, technology and lifestyle; John Sizemore, travel writer and photographer; Jesse Scott, focusing on the food industry; and Katie Jackson, who writes about luxury travel, lifestyle and food.
In addition, Tenerife’s presence in the United States has been strengthened by its participation in Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, an important professional event where it connects with luxury travel agents from all over the world. Tenerife has carried out various joint campaigns with the American tourism industry, which has helped to increase interest in the island in the North American market. More than 100 working meetings have also been held with representatives of tourism companies in Las Vegas.
The American market is showing a growing interest in Tenerife, as reflected in visitor statistics, with a significant increase in the number of American travellers to the island in recent months.
