High Projections for Tenerife Tourism in 2009

The Canary Islands finished out 2008 with a nearly 2.5 percent increase in growth over 2007. Only one month into the 2009 season, projections for another great year of tourism are high. Despite the recession and job losses felt around the world, tourism to Tenerife remains positive.

To ensure the life of tourism to the island, about 300 industry representatives met in mid January. Discussions included developments and improvements that will continue to draw tourists. An article in the Tenerife News stated, "The island plans on regaining its status as the crown jewel of the European tourist market. One of the major plans for the island is to present it as one giant theme park."

According to public statistics, 5.45 million tourists visited the island in 2007. Of those, almost two million were from points across the UK. BAA reports that Tenerife is one of the most popular destinations for tourists flying from its Scottish airports. Increased traffic to and from the UK can be attributed to lower cost air fare offered by several UK based companies. Flights to Tenerife from many European destinations are a mere 3 to 5 hours and acceptable travel time for even a weekend getaway.

Tourism during a Global Recession

Under normal circumstances, people love to indulge themselves. The average family makes time for at least one vacation per year. The introduction of timeshares and resort vacation packages has made it more affordable than ever to enjoy a yearly vacation.

The recession that became apparent and inevitable in 2006 has caused major corporations and several industries to fail. The tourism industry, however, is not one of those anticipating bankruptcy. According to a poll conducted in 2008, consumers do not intend to forego their yearly vacation because of the decline in economies around the world. Those who enjoy a yearly getaway plan to continue them. Some travelers indicated they would simply plan less expensive vacations and look for great packaged vacation deals.

The Canary Islands are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Of the Canaries, Tenerife is the most popular among families and those looking to fill their agenda with theme parks. Siam Park is the newest and largest addition to Tenerife. The park offers fun and sun in an eco-friendly environment.

Las Americas is another theme park on the island, which offers a twice-daily dolphin show in addition to many other park attractions. Shopping in Santa Cruz and the promenade in Los Christianos is a favorite pastime for those visitors who enjoy buying special gifts from their island getaway.

The Beginning of Tourism in Tenerife

In the late 1950s, doctors in Europe discovered that a yearly vacation to warmer climes could improve the health of their patients. They would often prescribe a week-long vacation to help relieve stress or encourage patients with arthritic ailments to be more mobile. The warmth of the island temperatures helped aching joints and muscles while improving the mobility of the patient. Over-stressed patients could relax in the temperate climate and let the crystal blue waters wash away the worries of everyday life. Shortly thereafter, mass tourism became popular for adventure-seekers around the world.

Tourism to Tenerife itself was almost non-existent in the 1950s due to the depression brought on by the Second World War. Tourism began with wealthy visitors arriving by steam ship.

The 1970s saw the beginning of a new era for the Canary Islands; an era of fast-paced tourism and world-wide popularity. The first tourists sought high-scale, ritzy accommodations, and by the mid 1970s the resorts of Las Americas, Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes were under way. Today's tourists to Tenerife are seeking the same relaxing and ritzy atmosphere. None are disappointed with the variety of accommodations.

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