The number of holiday homes in the Canary Islands saw a significant 9.6% increase over the last year, reaching a total of 46,784 flats, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).
National Increase in Tourist Flats
Across Spain, the total number of holiday homes increased by 9.2% from February 2023 to February 2024, amounting to 351,389 flats. This growth means that holiday flats now make up 1.33% of all dwellings in Spain, an increase from 1.21% a year ago and higher than the 1.29% recorded in October last year, when there were 340,424 flats designated for tourist use.
Regional Distribution of Holiday Homes
- Andalusia: With 82,454 tourist flats, Andalusia leads in the number of holiday homes, experiencing a 17.5% increase.
- Valencian Community: Following closely, the Valencian Community has 59,413 tourist flats, marking a substantial 19% increase.
- Catalonia: Catalonia reported 52,598 flats, reflecting a 15% increase.
- Canary Islands: The Canary Islands saw an increase of 9.6%, bringing the total to 46,784 flats.
- Balearic Islands: The number of tourist flats slightly decreased by 1.2% to 25,073 flats.
- Madrid: Madrid reported 19,456 tourist flats, a notable 19% increase.
- Galicia: Galicia experienced the highest percentage increase at 21%, totaling 17,883 tourist flats.
Increase in Bedplaces
In terms of bedplaces, the total number of available beds in holiday homes across Spain reached 1,751,263 in February 2024, up from 1,545,368 in February 2023. This represents a significant 13.3% increase.
Furthermore, the number of bedplaces per tourist dwelling has slightly decreased, now averaging 4.98 bedplaces per flat compared to 5.06 in previous years. This slight decrease may indicate a trend towards more compact or efficiently utilized holiday accommodations.
Implications and Trends
The data reflects a growing trend in the utilization and availability of holiday homes across Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia, the Valencian Community, and the Canary Islands. This increase is likely driven by the rising demand for vacation rentals, influenced by factors such as the ease of online booking platforms, increased tourism, and the appeal of local cultures and climates.
In the Canary Islands, the 9.6% growth in tourist flats underscores the archipelago’s continued popularity as a holiday destination. This growth supports the local economy through tourism while also highlighting the need for sustainable management to balance tourist influx with local community needs.
Overall, these trends indicate a robust and expanding market for holiday homes in Spain, reflecting broader shifts in travel preferences and the growing importance of alternative accommodation options in the tourism sector.
