Article
Canary Islands Experiencing Travel Boom
Published: Fri 21 Sep 2012 at 09:28
Updated: Fri 21 Sep 2012 at 09:34
Ever popular as a tropical escape from more chilly climes, the Canary Islands have experienced an unexpected tourism boom this year. The popular island destination recorded a record high in tourism numbers for mid-2012, receiving almost 700,000 foreign visitors in the short space of a month.
June was the boom month for the Canaries, with many drawn there outside Carnival season for a relaxing time in the sun. The islands experience very low rainfall in the middle of the year, making mid-year holidays a good getaway time for those looking to escape more dreary parts of Europe and beyond. Cheap flights to Gran Canaria and nearby islands may make a quick trip to the Canaries a good option for those wishing to get away from nasty weather.
Tourism Numbers Boom
A surprising number of tourists came straight from the UK. The Canary Islands were home to 691,568 foreign travellers in June, but almost half of the travellers were from the UK. German tourists came a close second with 173,114. Tourist numbers have significantly increased over the last year, with a boost of 11% for UK travellers from the same time in 2011.
Cheap flights to Gran Canaria and the other Canary Islands are only a partial explanation for the increase. The UK experienced its coolest June since 1991 this year, and parts of the British Isles experienced their wettest June since 1860. With the UK experiencing an influx of tourists of its own this year, it's no wonder many are choosing to take their holidays in the sunshine of the Canaries with Jet2.com.
