Posts Tagged ‘Lanzarote’

Spanish Holidays Losing Ground to Turkey

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Turkey is gaining ground as a favorite holiday destination for Brits. The Cooperative Travel Group’s director of retail travel, Trevor Davis, said packaged holiday sales for Turkey have increased by 30 percent. Mr. Davis also said sales to Majorca, Spain’s top-selling holiday destination, dropped by 13 percent. Ian Hailes, head of product and development for Cosmos, offers similar statistics. Hailes said 2008 packaged summer vacation sales for destinations in Turkey were up by 25 percent while sales to destinations in Spain decreased by 6 percent.
Poor Economic Conditions
Prior to January 2008, predictions of poor economic conditions in the United States and Europe caused travel agents to cringe. Poor economic conditions, they feared, would cause business to plummet. While some families have elected to enjoy a ’stay-cation’, a stay-home-vacation, many others have not let economic misfortunes impact their vacation time. Travel expenses have caused the usual road-trip to become a flight. Some low-cost airlines have been working with travel agents to help increase their own business as well as retaining the agent’s client base. Agents are able to offer their clients less expensive flights to and from many points in Europe, making the overall cost of their vacation less expensive.
Currency Exchange Rates
It is speculated that the current euro-pound exchange rate is also behind some of the changes in holiday destinations. The pound is doing poorly against the euro, making Spanish vacations a bit more expensive than in previous years. The currency used in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira, introduced in 2005. Exchange rates from the pound to the lira are much more favorable than those of pound to euro. For those tourists who have felt the pinch of a struggling economy, a Turkish vacation could prove to be more affordable for the 2008 vacation season. Where ever their destination, travelers aren’t letting things like the economy and exchange rates ruin their plans. They’re simply learning to budget their vacation as needed.
Low Cost Airlines
Although packaged vacation sales to Turkey have been top sellers in 2008, low-cost airlines are reporting more flights to Spanish destinations being booked than last year. More than 4,000 flights have been booked to Palma, Majorca alone according to reports by the Palma airport.
Top Selling Packaged Vacations for Summer 2008
Dalaman, Turkey tops the list as the number one packaged vacation spot for Europeans for 2008. Following closely behind is Majorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands. The third destination is the Greek island of Crete. Turkey makes two appearances on the list, as Bodrum makes the list as the number four vacation destination for Europeans in 2008. Algarve, Portugal rounds out the top five packaged vacation destinations for summer 2008.
Ignacio Vasallo, director of the Spanish Tourist Office dismisses claims that Spain is losing ground as a favorite vacation destination. He said, ‘The big picture is that Spain is going to have 15.5 million UK visitors this year.’ Spain has a lot to offer each tourist who visits and the tourism office officials show no signs of worry that Spain may be losing ground, for whatever reason.

Where the British Are Holidaying Summer 2008

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Traditionally British holidaymakers book their summer holidays early, a hangover from the days when people would visit a travel agent and pay in weekly or monthly over six months, with the advent of the internet not changing that tradition much.
Travel industry estimates suggest that 12 million Britons book their 2008 summer holiday by the end of February.
Due to this overwhelming statistic, it’s possible that the number of late deals on offer from travel agents will be in short supply this year.
Where are the British going this summer? What places are on the top of their list as fun and adventurous holiday spots? Let’s take a look at the top 5 holiday destinations chosen by British holidaymakers for their summer holidays this year:
Tenerife
You may have heard of Tenerife referred to as Paradise Island. That’s because here you will find sunshine year-round, as well as sandy white beaches that stretch for miles. Tenerife offers luxury hotel accommodation for a quick trip to the islands or an extended family stay. Tourists like the resorts located at Los Christianos and Playa de las Americas, located southwest of the island.
Orlando
Orlando, Florida is the ultimate holiday for families and couples alike. Visit Mickey Mouse and friends at Walt Disney World, watch amazing shows at Sea World, catch up on your favourite movies at Universal Studios, and stay in some of the best themed resorts available in the U.S. Not only is Orlando known for its famous theme parks, but British tourists will also enjoy other attractions such as:
* Unique shopping emporiums
* World-class dining establishments
* Disney cruises
* Breathtaking golf courses
* Unparalleled night life and entertainment
* And much more!
Majorca
Closer to home for the British, Majorca is the largest island of the Balearic Islands. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea off the southeast coast of Spain.
Majorca is the home of the Almudaina Palace, which is surrounded by the majestic S’Hort des Rei Gardens. Here you can see other historical landmarks such as the Bellver Castle, Catedral (La Seu), and Llotja, a 15-century reminiscent of early mercantile days in Morjca. This destination is popular because of its wealth of history, as well as exciting nightlife, casinos and entertaining festivals.
Lanzarote
A four hour flight as opposed to less than two for Majorca, Lanzarote offers holiday guests a relaxed atmosphere. It is here that you will discover the common use of camels to transport goods, and enjoy a desert like climate.
Lanzarote is at the most northeastern tip of the Canary Islands. It is interesting to note that this is a volcanic island. British tourists won’t find many bustling nightlife clubs here, but they will enjoy immaculate white beaches, the San Gines Lagoon, and placid waters. The resorts at Lanzarote are luxurious and can accommodate couples and families.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is referred to as the miniature continent because of its vast array of landscapes. You will find there are about 20 different climates to experience in this one island. This is the perfect holiday spot for:
* Deep sea fishing
* Climbing
* Surfing
* Golfing
* Diving
The accommodations at Gran Canaria can range anywhere from luxury hotel suites to fully-equipped self catering apartments.
When visiting Gran Canaria, make sure to take a tour via jeep that takes you off the beaten path to experience the real splendor of the island. Helicopter tours are also available to give you a bird’s eye view of the island if that suits your fancy or choose from one of the many other tours that lead you to exotic and adventurous places.
Later bookings for British holidaymakres could see interest in Turkey, which doesn’t use the Euro and has a poor exchange rate against the British Pound, and various locations in the US.
Some reports suggest that although the Euro is used, Lanzarote is seeing an increased number of British tourists on late bookings this year.

Summer Holidays 2008 Costing More

Monday, December 14th, 2009

2008 has seen the cost a typical family holiday as well as weekend breaks rise much faster than inflation, and many tourists have noticed the difference in the same 2007 holiday package compared to this year’s price.
To blame are higher oil prices, and with a large part of a holiday often being a flight oil rising to over US $100 a barrel in early January was what sparked the prediction – if the analysts had known it would be over US $130 a barrel of oil by May their predictions might have been much starker.
In addition many governments are putting up the taxes on flights that they have started levying in recent years, and with the environment such a hot issue they know they can justify it by claiming it’s to reduce carbon emissions.
But some in the travel industry claim not all the price rises being seen in 2008 are a result of higher oil prices, but mergers of big holiday companies who have subsequently cut the number of holidays available, and reducing supply, and if demand is as high as it was last year it will mean the same amount of people chasing fewer holidays, allowing the travel companies to increase the prices.
Those areas likely to feel the price hikes most are the most popular holiday areas, which include the Canary islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote, the Balearic islands of Majorca and Menorca, and Malta which has just begun to regain popularity after years of a declining market.
Tenerife and Lanzarote are both popular for winter sunshine holidays as well as the summer, and their winter tourist trade didn’t excperience price rises earlier this year, which will give them a boost compared to the rest of Spain for 2008 overall should prices rise further for this summer as some are predicting.
Tenerife is known for its beautiful climate, which attracts nearly three and a half millions tourists a year to its scenic 2,034 square kilometers.
Most of Tenerife’s tourism comes from the United Kingdom, followed by Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Italy and France, among many others.
The island is home to many beautiful resorts, including the Playas de las Americas and Los Cristianos. In fact, recent legislation was passed to ensure that any future resort construction must either be of five-star status or offer resort luxuries like golf courses or banquet facilities.
Another of Tenerife’s natural tourist attractions are the Cliffs of the Giants.
These astounding rock walls drop from heights of 500-800 feet almost straight down into the sea. Tourists can soak in the sights from one of the restaurants and other viewpoints located across the small bay in the resort town of Los Gigantes. They may opt for an up-close and personal look at the massive rock faces by taking a tour boat across the bay.
Lanzarote is full-time home to more than 100,000 people and has its own international airport. The island relies on tourism as well as agriculture to maintain its economy. Millions of visitors each year enjoy the black sand beaches and unique experience that only Lanzarote can offer.
The destinations which are more likely to suffer from 2008 holiday price rises are those where the vast majority of tourists visit during the summer, and these include Majorca and her smaller sister island of Menorca.
Majorca has been a major summer holiday destination for several years among Europeans. Majorca attracts tourists looking for a traditional beach holiday, but beyond that the island has dramatic mountains, hidden coves and various historical archeological sites which adds to her appeal for many others.
But if bookings are slow for last minute holidays, it is likely that the summer months will see price cuts across a range of holidays, and with more and more holidays being booked on-line the travel companies can adjust prices within minutes to reflect demand, allowing those consumers who can pick and choose their week or two off at short notice the ability to circumvent any overall price rises during the year ahead.
The message from consumer groups is to search the internet and compare deals – big savings can be made with a little time and effort while doing some research.

Traditional Hotspots or New Sights

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Traditionally, British families tend to prefer making holiday plans that include visits to the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands.
Lanzarote and Menorca are two of the most popular family holiday destinations among British tourists.
Lanzarote tourism reported nearly a 17 percent increase in British tourists during the first two months of 2008. Menorca also reported near-record increases in British tourism during the first quarter of 2008.
During prime summer holiday season, the numbers are expected to increase even more as more families take holidays abroad. The implementation of low-cost flights to the islands has made it more convenient and more cost-efficient for families to plan for summer holiday costs.
Families with younger children and teens prefer locations that cater to a quieter lifestyle and embrace children. Lanzarote’s many restaurants and resorts often plan special events around the arrival of children and families. Lanzarote is also home to one of the largest theme parks in Europe. Menorca and Madrid are also very popular destinations for families with small children.
Young Adults on Holiday Nightlife
Young adults making their own holiday plans this year without the accompaniment of their families are looking toward the Costa del Sol, Tenerife and Majorca. Forty-five percent of British youth said they plan to enjoy at least one holiday abroad during the 2008 holiday season. Twenty-five percent said they are planning at least two shorter holidays abroad instead of one extended holiday. Most are planning island holidays on either Tenerife or Majorca.
Tenerife and Majorca are prime holiday spots for those who enjoy a bit more than a family-oriented holiday.
The exciting nightlife provided by both Tenerife and Majorca is very popular among the late teens and early 20s crowds. The more traditional British seaside holiday is being cast aside for more excitement by those under age 30. The younger crowds tend to enjoy the Las Vegas-style clubs and casinos available on the islands. Flights to the islands and back to airports in the U.K. are more affordable and more frequent than ever.
Across the Atlantic, young adults in the U.S. are planning similar vacations of their own. College students and the under-30 crowd tend to plan cruises to the Caribbean, sports-related cruises or beach vacations in Florida, California or Mexico.
Cancun Mexico is a very popular vacation spot for U.S. college students. Panama City Beach and Miami Beach in Florida are well-known for white sandy beaches as well as a hopping nightlife. Throughout the summer, beaches in and near the U.S. play host to a variety of concerts, contests and TV shows. Reality TV shows are often created based on various things that happen during spring break.
Cheaper Flights Assist Holiday Planning
No matter where you live, most people have to budget and plan their summer vacation, holiday or spring break.
Travel agencies work to package airfare and vacation packages into one payment to help young adults afford at least one vacation per year. Agencies work with airlines, car rentals, hotels and resorts to provide the best price to their clients.
Travel agencies, in conjunction with low-cost airlines throughout the U.K. offer young adults the opportunity to more easily afford the island holiday they wish to plan.
Low-cost airlines in the U.K. offer similar packages for families planning a holiday with younger children. Madrid, Lanzarote and Menorca are three of the most popular holiday destinations for British families.
Although current monetary exchange rates mean a holiday abroad will likely be a bit more expensive, the vast majority of holiday plans include international travel.

Spain Goes Year Round For 2008

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Travel internet sites in Europe have reported a surge of tourists heading for Spain and the Spanish islands for holidays and short breaks for the coming months – and this even extended earlier in the year to Spain’s ski areas.
Many people are surprised to learn that Spain has ski areas, but when looked at on a map the less well known tourist areas, away from the coastal regions, include the Pyrenees, bordering ski country Andorra.
Spain’s most successful ski resorts are in the Pyrenees, and they did well with tourists taking a ski holiday for the 2007/8 season with good snow from December through to April.
Another area of Spain good for ski holidays is the Sierra Nevada area, not far from the Costa del Sol, and despite the usually sunny climate of the Sierra Nevada, it has hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships.
Other popular ski holiday spots in Spain include:
* Baqueira-Beret
* Boi-Taull
* La Molina
* Astun
* Candanchu
* Cerler
* Formigal
* Panticosa
The most recent predictions of a great ski season for later this year and the 2008/9 ski holidays season are based mainly on Spain’s rise in tourism in the 2007 summer months.
Some popular holiday spots in Spain received as many as 560 per cent more tourists as the previous year. The Canary Island of Tenerife (176 per cent rise), Gran Canaria (244 per cent rise) and Lanzarote (120% rise) base most of their economic growth on tourism. Their dedication to holidaymakers has more than paid off.
Other areas of Spain that saw a significant rise in tourism include:
* Fuerteventura at 560 per cent
* Benidorm at 213 per cent
* The Malaga Province 329 per cent
The Algarve, Madeira, Marrakech and Sharm el Sheikh also report rises in tourism last summer and look forward to a good 2008 summer holidays season.
The Canary Islands are currently hosting the 24th Annual Music Festival of the Canaries. This additional boost in tourism will greatly benefit the tourism activities promoted on the Canary Islands.
A very popular holiday destination for Brits in the summer of 2007 was Menorca and sure to do well for 2008.
Menorca is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean, to the southeast of the Spanish mainland.
Menorca is well known as a smaller, much more private holiday spot than neighbouring Majorca. Majorca is much more densely populated than Menorca with many celebrities owning homes there such as Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta Jones and Antonio Banderas.
Both Majorca and Menorca have a lot to offer their annual visitors. Where Majorca offers a bustling night life, white beaches and celebrities, Menorca provides more privacy, quiet coves and shaded areas.
No matter what time of year you plan your holiday, Spain has something to offer. Her islands offer summertime fun, diving, boating and other water sports. The Mediterranean is home to a whole new underwater world. Divers from around the world enjoy diving off Menorca, Majorca and the Canary Islands. Many of the island resorts offer fun for the entire family and special organised kids’ fun clubs during the day.
Due to Spain having the second highest altitude in Europe, more and more tourists see the country as the perfect holiday destination for those who enjoy winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding as well as the traditional summer holidays time. With a a wide selection of ski resorts in the Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada and the Cantabrian Mountains Spain could see her tourism numbers still further in the years ahead.

Strikes In Spain Hit Holiday Resorts

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

With a strike in Spain over rising fuel costs hitting hotels and supermarkets in popular holiday resorts in June, the Spanish holiday industry could be releived that the British often book their holidays months in advance.
Before the days of the internet, as soon as Christmas Day was over the advertising campaigns for summer holidays would appear on British television.
Millions would book their holidays in January, and many would pay weekly or monthly to their local travel agent so by the time it came to take their summer holiday, it had been paid off and it was just spending money to take care of.
Old habits die hard it seems, as despite late deals and instant access on the internet to hundreds of thousands of holidays, nearly half of the British population still book their holiday in the first two months of the year.
‘It’s a habit the country got into over a couple of decades’, one UK based group of travel sites try to explain, ‘And it continues today despite the fact that the cost of an average holiday compared to salaries is way down on when the internet wasn’t around to the mass market.’
How long the January and February frenzy continues is anyone’s guess, but as even more of the population gets online and time online increases, the holiday bookings Brits make should become more spread out over the year, and with late deals often available the booking peak might shift from early in the year to the early May and June summer months.
Interesting statistics have been released by one of the UK’s leading holiday companies for the bookings they took in the first weeks of 2008, and it suggests the British love affair with Spain shows no sign of slowing down.
Top searched destination was the Spanish island of Majorca. Majorca is one of the longest established tourist destinations in the world, and has had a tourist board for over a hundred years. Their tourist board has ensured the island has remained a British favourite for generations.
Today, Majorca receives more than six million visitors annually, yet ninety five percent of her tourists concentrate in only five percent of its territory. Less developed areas of this elegant island are ripe for new development and prime property commands a great premium. Majorca is now also successfully selling holidays away from the coast in traditional areas not known for tourism.
Ibiza, well known in Europe for a younger tourists and night clubs which feature visiting and resident British DJ’s, is a neighbouring island of Majorca and also makes the top five most booked holiday destinations in the early weeks of 2008.
The Spanish Canary Islands also feature among the most booked holiday destinations, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria being the second and third most popular areas.
Another Canary Island, Lanzarote, was the fourth most searched holiday destination, but Lanzarote is a popular winter getaway and as well as summer bookings would have benifitted from Britons looking for a winter holiday.
Lanzarote maintains relatively constant temperatures and sees low annual rainfall. Few days are lost to weather-related problems due to this environment, which offers the premium atmosphere for technical improvements and beneficial training. In addition to these benefits, the winds are good and steady in the Canary Islands due to the north-east trade winds, which also bring cooler air in the summers to Lanzarote.
If bookings continue in similar patterns throughout the year, Spain and her islands will be again the destination of choice for the British.