British Tourism To Lanzarote Increases 15.6%
By NBall • Aug 8th, 2008 • Category: NewsBritish consumers are refusing to give up their holidays abroad. As new figures just released by the Spanish airport authority AENA reveal that visitor numbers to Lanzarote have risen by 15.6% during the first half of 2008. An upsurge that is helping to maintain buoyancy in the Lanzarote property market.
Despite the impact of the credit crunch, the weakening pound and falling disposable incomes the British are still intent on enjoying their annual week in the sun. As the AENA figures reveal that tourist visits from the UK to Lanzarote numbered 509,755 during the first half of 2008. An increase of 15.6% on 2007 figures. And welcome news for the owners of holiday rental property on the island.
Lanzarote has long been a hot favourite with both British tourists and property investors. As this small speck of Spain just off the coast of West Africa enjoys a year round clement climate that also delivers twelve months worth of rental returns for overseas owners.
Some observers had feared that the credit crunch could sound the death knell for tourism on the island. A potentially disastrous scenario as Lanzarote´s economy is dominated by the travel sector. However AENA´s latest figures suggest that Lanzarote could in fact be on course for its best year for some time. As it´s not just the British who are reluctant to relinquish their place on the beach.
Visitor numbers from Ireland have been on the rise across the same period too – up by 5.4% during the first half of 2008. With 123,047 tourists from the Republic holidaying in Lanzarote.
Whilst Dutch, Austrian, Norwegian and Swedish numbers have all increased as well – helping to contribute to a total increase in foreign tourist visits of 4.9%. The Canary Islands Tourist Board has also reported an increase of 3.7% in Spanish visitors to the island.
As a result Lanzarote is enjoying it´s best first half performance for many years. And is on course to break the one million British tourist visits barrier for the first time since 2003 should this trend continue during the second half of 2008.
The AENA figures also make happy reading for owners of apartments and holiday villas in Lanzarote. Whilst also helping to sustain buoyancy for the Lanzarote property market. As the fundamentals of the island economy clearly remain strong despite current international problems created by the credit crunch.
NBall is Nick Ball is the editor of Lanzarote Guidebook, Lanzarote´s leading property portal. Which features a large selection of property for sale in Lanzarote with over 2000 listings across the island.
Email this author | All posts by NBall
