Nearly sixteen million tourists visited the Canary Islands in 2025, with UK travelers leading the surge despite protests highlighting environmental concerns.
In 2025, the Canary Islands defied expectations, recording a significant surge in international tourism despite anti-tourism protests held in 2024. Official data revealed that 15.5 million international tourists visited the Spanish archipelago, marking a 10% increase compared to 2024. This growth represents an additional 1.4 million foreign visitors, averaging 120,000 tourists per month.
The increase in tourism comes amid heightened concerns from residents over the environmental and social impacts of mass tourism. In 2024, anti-tourism protests took place in April and October, where locals voiced their discontent with rising housing prices and environmental degradation attributed to the influx of visitors.
UK Visitors Lead the Surge
Visitors from the United Kingdom dominated the international arrivals, making up over 40% of the total. In 2025, nearly 6.3 million British tourists traveled to the Canary Islands, a notable increase of over half a million compared to the previous year. This staggering figure highlights the enduring popularity of the islands among UK travelers, despite local pushback.
In contrast, German tourists, the second-largest international market, accounted for approximately 3 million visitors. The disparity underscores the heavy reliance of the Canary Islands on British tourism, a fact that has raised concerns among local tourism officials.
Tenerife Tops the Charts
Among the islands, Tenerife emerged as the top destination, welcoming more than 6.2 million international tourists in 2025. Gran Canaria followed closely, attracting nearly 4 million visitors. Other islands also saw strong numbers:
- Lanzarote: Approximately 3 million international visitors
- Fuerteventura: 2.3 million foreign tourists
- La Palma: Around 120,000 visitors
The data underscores the diverse appeal of the Canary Islands, with each destination offering unique attractions ranging from volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches to cultural landmarks.
The Challenges of Mass Tourism
While the tourism sector celebrated the record-breaking numbers, local residents and activists voiced concerns about the strain on the islands’ infrastructure and natural resources. Anti-tourism protests in 2024 highlighted the rising tension between economic reliance on tourism and the need for sustainable development.
Key issues raised during the protests included:
- Environmental Impact: Increased waste, water consumption, and carbon emissions.
- Housing Market Strain: A surge in short-term rentals, driving up housing prices for locals.
- Overcrowding: Popular tourist areas becoming congested, affecting quality of life for residents.
Despite these concerns, tourism remains the backbone of the Canary Islands’ economy, contributing significantly to local employment and revenue.
Industry Response
José María Mañaricua, president of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Las Palmas (FEHT), expressed caution about the archipelago’s dependence on British tourists. “Any downturn in this market could pose significant challenges,” he warned.
To address sustainability concerns, tourism authorities have begun exploring initiatives aimed at balancing growth with environmental stewardship. Efforts include promoting eco-tourism, limiting visitor numbers to sensitive areas, and investing in renewable energy projects to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
Looking Ahead
As of January 2025, the Canary Islands continue to attract millions of tourists drawn by their year-round sunshine, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, the islands face a critical juncture: how to sustain their tourism-driven economy while addressing the growing demands for environmental and social responsibility.
For the UK market, the archipelago remains a favorite destination. The record-breaking figures for 2025 suggest that the Canary Islands’ allure endures, even amid local protests and calls for change.
The coming years will test whether the region can strike the delicate balance between welcoming tourists and preserving the unique character that makes the Canary Islands a global travel hotspot.
The post Canary Islands See Nearly Sixteen Million Tourists in 2025 as UK Visitors Lead Growth Amid Protests appeared first on Travel And Tour World.January 16, 2025 at 10:28PM.jpeg){kind=small}
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