Press Notes

• More than 4 million tourists with children’s needs chose the Canary Islands as the place to take their under 16s on a family holiday in 2016
• 47.5 per cent of families with underage members reserved their trip to the Canarian archipelago more than 90 days in advance
• 44.4 per cent chose the ‘all-inclusive + flights’ option to relax in the Canary Islands
• The climate was a deciding factor for 92 per cent of families who travelled with children
• The total turnover from adults travelling with minors amounted to 2,307 million euros in 2016

The Canary Islands, 26 April 2017 – The wide range of options for families holidaying in the Canary Islands attracted more than four million tourists (including under 16s) who travelled together as a family to spend their holidays on the archipelago in 2016, according to figures from the Canary Islands tourism board.

In total, more than 2.36 million adult tourists were noted to have travelled to the archipelago with their families, accompanied by almost 1.9 million minors. The typical family formed by a couple with children aged under 13 made up 65.7 per cent of the family tourism visitors with children.

This type of tourism that requires child-friendly environments and children’s activities added to the Canary Islands’ turnover by more than 2,307 million euros in 2016, with average spending based on 976 euros per tourist aged over 16 with children in tow.

Factors like the climate, it being a child-friendly place and beaches, as well as peace and quiet, rest and relaxation were the factors that most influenced families with children to travel to the Canarian archipelago. More specifically, 92 per cent chose the Canary Islands for its climate and sun, some 35.2 per cent having considered it the best-adapted place for their children’s needs and 34.1 per cent attracted by the beaches.

The Canary Islands as a safe destination to travel to with children was a deciding factor for 12 per cent of families, as well as the price (11.8 per cent), ease of transfers (8 per cent) and the leisure parks (6.5 per cent).

The majority of visitors, some 76.8 per cent, were repeat visitors and already knew some parts of the archipelago from previous trips. Family and friends’ recommendations of the Canary Islands swayed it for 36.5 per cent and 26 per cent had researched the destination online before choosing it for their holidays.

Of the families with children who reserved their trip to the Canarian archipelago, 47.5 per cent did so more than 90 days in advance, while 4.9 per cent decided a fortnight beforehand. The majority reserved accommodation directly from the tour operator (43.1 per cent) or through a travel agency (20.1 per cent), while 15.8 per cent preferred to book it directly online. The ease and ample supply for tourists of 4-star hotels or hotel apartments made them the preferred accommodation for 42.8 per cent of families with pre-adolescent children who visited the Canary Islands.

The ‘all inclusive + flights’ type of tourism was the favourite for 44.4 per cent of families with children who visited the archipelago, thanks to the leisure activities of hotel resorts focusing mainly on kids entertainment, the proximity of the beaches, ease of transfers and not having to do any domestic chores.

Tenerife was chosen by more than a million tourists who travelled with children, while the rest preferred Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.

In terms of country of residence, family visitors to the archipelago from the United Kingdom (36.4 per cent) and Germany (14.2 per cent) exceeded those from Spain (13.3 per cent) in 2016.

Some of the stamps of quality that set the Canary Islands apart for their leisure and educational entertainment are their leisure centres designed for an endless amount of family days out, such as zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and the best water, theme and amusement parks.

As well as the attractive and unique beaches on the archipelago, the surprising wilderness of each of the islands and their seas teeming with life round off the destination’s possibilities for enjoying a surprising adventure each day under the “the best climate in the world”, thanks to the constantly mild temperatures on the archipelago where the sun shines all year round. Seven islands that give you seven reasons for a family holiday.

About the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands is the place with The best climate in the world for enjoying exceptional holidays any time of the year. Seven different and unique islands, perfect for disconnecting from your daily routine, recharging your batteries and returning home feeling physically and mentally refreshed. The beaches, volcanic landscapes, lively and hospitable lifestyle and the possibility of choosing from all sorts of outdoor activities, as well as a wide range of quality accommodation and leisure activities, mean that the majority of visitors repeat the experience more than once.

About Promotur Turismo de Canarias

Promotur Turismo de Canarias, an entity attached to the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Regional Government of the Canary Islands, oversees the promotion of the Canary Islands tourism brand. Created in 2005, the main goal of this public company is to study, promote and market the huge tourist offer the Canarian archipelago affords, in conjunction with the other institutions on the islands related to the tourist sector.

Press Contact:

brezo.rodriguez@porternovelli.es  // alberto.tapia@porternovelli.es

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