The Canary Islands experienced a substantial increase in international tourism in the first eight months of 2023, welcoming a total of 9.06 million international passengers. This marked a significant surge of 14.2% compared to the same period in the previous year, according to data released by Turespaña.
In the month of August alone, the Canary Islands continued to attract international visitors, with a remarkable 1.07 million passengers arriving from international airports. This figure represented a 2.8% increase compared to August 2022.
Spain, as a whole, witnessed robust growth in its tourism sector. The country hosted a total of 63.6 million foreign passengers up to August, marking a substantial 20% increase from the previous year. In August alone, Spain welcomed 10.1 million foreign tourists, indicating a noteworthy 12.3% rise.
Héctor Gómez, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, emphasized that Spain’s appeal as a tourist destination remained strong and that the tourism sector had demonstrated resilience despite global challenges.
August saw an increase in passengers departing to Spain from various key source countries. Poland experienced remarkable growth, with a 35.9% increase, followed by Portugal with a 26.8% rise, and Italy with a 20.3% increase. Belgium also showed growth, though more modest, with a 4.5% increase.
The Balearic Islands, the Community of Madrid, and Catalonia were the top regions receiving the highest number of arrivals, each surpassing 2 million visitors. The Valencian Community recorded the most substantial year-on-year growth, with an impressive 18.4% increase.
CANARY ISLANDS TRAVEL: MAIN OUTBOUND COUNTRIES
Regarding outbound travel from Spain, the United Kingdom played a significant role, with 2.4 million passengers, accounting for 23.9% of total arrivals in August and showing a 7.7% increase. The Balearic and Canary Islands received the highest influx of UK tourists, with 28.6% and 20.4% of arrivals, respectively. Catalonia, Galicia, the Basque Country, Cantabria, and the Principality of Asturias experienced notable growth rates of over 10%.
German visitors constituted 14.1% of the total passenger arrivals, with 1.4 million tourists, showing a 6.7% increase. They were primarily drawn to the Balearic Islands, which received 48% of German tourists, and experienced growth in the Principality of Asturias, the Valencian Community, and Andalusia.
Italy contributed close to 1 million passengers, making up 9.9% of the total, and registered a remarkable year-on-year growth of 20.3%. This growth particularly benefited Catalonia, the Community of Madrid, and the Balearic Islands.
France was responsible for 7.6% of the total passenger arrivals in August, showing an expansion of 8.5%. The Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Madrid were the primary beneficiaries, receiving a combined 65.6% of total arrivals from France.
