Representatives of the Canary Islands came to Dublin last week to present a workshop for travel agents at the Shelbourne Hotel. “The Canary Islands received 12 million tourists last year, matching the all-time record,” said Gonzalo Ceballos, Director, Spanish Tourism Office. “Some 400,000 came from Ireland, a 10% increase on 2010. Each year the equivalent of 8% of the Irish population travels to the Canary Islands – showing that Ireland is – in relation to its population – one of the most important countries for the Canaries.”
The Canary Islands enjoy one of the best climates in the world. In winter they are a unique sun destination enjoying a hot-spring-like climate that is constant during the 365 days of the year. The temperature in the archipelago is 22ºC on average and it enjoys up 3,000 hours of sun a year – it is the European destination with the most hours of solar light.
The Canary Islands offer hospitality and the culture of enjoying life, an impressive variety of landscapes, based on the volcanic origin of the islands, various activities and outdoor sports, and high safety standards.
What’s New in the Canary Islands
Lanzarote:
- Two new waterparks in Playa Blanca: Aqualava and Paradise Island water park
- Opening of Saramago’s House (the Portuguese author who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1998)
Tenerife:
- Nature lovers can find novel ways to explore the beauty of Tenerife with new tree climbing activities in Las Lagunetas. ‘Forest Park Tenerife’ opened in March 2012 to become the newest outdoor adventure park on the island
- A new ‘Secret Garden’ has opened at the Pyramids of Guimar featuring some of the most poisonous plants on the planet. The botanical garden encompasses 1,500 sq m and its unique collection offers the opportunity to discover beautiful yet highly toxic plant species, while learning about the myths, legends and historic events related to their existence
- One of Tenerife’s most spectacular natural hiking trails re-opened this year following extensive restoration. Barranco Del Infierno, also known as ‘Hell’s Gorge’, is a magnificent gorge located in the inland area of Adeje
- A new marine laboratory is set to open in El Puertito in southern Tenerife. Led by ‘Oceano Sostenible’, Sea Lab will provide a facility for in-depth research and investigation as well as education on the rich marine biodiversity in Tenerife
- New VIP villa and mega ride at Siam Park
- Europe’s biggest aquatic adventure land, Siam Park, entered 2012 with the new spacious VIP Villa with Jacuzzi that makes it possible for groups of up to 15 people to enjoy the Thai-themed water park in a comfortable and exclusive way
- A new exhibition of white Bengal Tigers, a fully renovated sea lion stadium, new parrot species and newly born offspring of meerkats, marmosets, parrots, orcas and dolphins are some of the new attractions at Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz
Gran Canaria:
- The new Amadores Beach near to Puerto Rico Gran Canaria has a fine sand beach closed by reefs with turquoise water and is ideal for families
- Children will enjoy the new sea lion encounter in Aqualand Maspalomas
- Two new luxury openings are the Radisson Blue Resort in Arguineguín and Bohemia Suites & Spa, a member of Design Hotels
Fuerteventura:
- Trekking enthusiasts have a network of newly opened trails, with 255km of paths throughout the island
- A new bike network has more than 100km in different routes
- Oasis Park La Lajita offers a new attraction, ‘Swimming with Sea Lions’
- Fuerteventura Smart is a new initiative of the Fuerteventura Tourist Board about sustainable rural tourism and consists of providing free wi-fi in all rural houses
