Latest News

• More than 40 per cent of Germans practise walking at some point during the year and the Canary Islands have 146 protected nature sites, making them a very attractive destination for the German market.

The potential for the Canary Islands as the perfect destination for walkers has been at the forefront this weekend during Tournatur 2016 in Germany, the largest walking and outdoor sports fair in the country and the only one to be exclusively dedicated to this segment, showcasing 5,000 tourist destinations worldwide.

The 14th edition of this fair, held in Düsseldorf between 2-4 September, received around 40,000 visitors attracted by the offers from the 275 stands, including the Canary Islands’ own 60m² set-up.

The importance of the German market for the islands, a major visitor market for the archipelago, has been one of the main reasons for presenting it as a walker’s paradise, an activity that is widely practised by Germans. In fact, more than 40 per cent of Germans practise this sport at some point during the year.

The favourite destinations for nature-loving Germans are regions located within Germany itself, as well as France, due to its geographical proximity. This is why the representation of the archipelago at this fair has been so important, given that Düsseldorf is Germany’s most well- connected airport to the Canary Islands. The North-Rhine–Westphalia region greatly contributes to tourism revenue on the islands, a result of the high purchasing power of the area’s inhabitants.

According to a survey seen by Promotur Turismo de Canarias, the main tourism activities carried out by Germans in 2014 were, as well as trips for the sun and beach, also for cultural and historical visits, nature, food and wine, and walking. The consumption of tourism products also grew, such as rural tourism and cruises. Due to its geological potential, the Canary Islands have 146 protected nature sites making the archipelago a very attractive destination for this market.

The typical profile of visitors to Tournatur is couples over 50, who love nature and active tourism, although in recent editions there has been a steady rise in families with children.