New Tenerife Tourism Strategy

Tenerife’s tourism strategy is set for a major overhaul. Due to a mixture of arrogance as a leading holiday destination and under investment in the island’s tourist attractions and facilities, Tenerife has fallen some way behind a host of other tourist destinations hot on its heels. But finally the local authorities are fighting back and have grand plans to put Tenerife firmly back on the holiday hotspot map!

For many years, the Spanish island of Tenerife in the Canaries, has been the first port of call for thousands of British holidaymakers and international tourists for their annual overseas break, summer holiday or winter sun getaway, but things have changed of late. Having enjoyed its first mover advantage for nearly 3 decades now, the tourism authorities in Tenerife are finally realising (in true Spanish style) better late than never that the root of slowing tourism is entirely due Tenerife sitting on its laurels whilst other markets played catch-up.

The local authorities recently hosted a conference, attended by 300 tourism representatives, which addressed all aspects of the island’s tourist attractions with each being put under the spotlight and discussed in great detail. Chaired by J M Bermudez, the Councillor for Tourism, an 8 year strategic plan is firmly in place for a number of changes to be implemented between 2008 and 2015 which they hope will recapture the position which Tenerife once held as the European and World tourist market favourite. So what are Tenerife’s tourism plans?

Aimed at competing with the likes of Greece, Turkey and even Egypt who have overtaken Tenerife as tourist attractions for the masses lured by cheaper prices, the plan has been welcomed by many in the region and will involve the development of a whole host of new and exciting tourist attractions which when added to Tenerife’s existing tourism offerings, it hopes will see Tenerife viewed as ‘one great theme park’ . Much of the new development is set to take place in and around the Puerto de la Cruz resort area with the initial rebuild of the 70′s style blocks and a major revamp of the tired hotels, in the hope that tourist money will once again start to flow back to the island.

Extending its appeal to new markets such as Poland, Russia and Italy is a key factor in bringing increased visitors to the island but retention of existing tourists plays a big part in generating returning visitors. Nearly 60% of visitors to Tenerife return again and the plan is build closer ties with tourists during their visit to keep them coming back in the future.

These future plans are sure to have an basic impact on the local market for Tenerife property, which can only benefit from increased interest, increased visitors in the form of holiday lets and increased investment from overseas buyers. The 8 year plan will also bring a number of villages and towns into play with plans to tapping into the growing demand for ecotourism holidays. Improvements and plans to extend the transport network of the region should result in well connected tourist services and a recent deal with Vodafone will give visitors mobile phone access to their tour reps should get them travelling around the island more.

Tenerife tourism is being brought firmly into the 21st century and adapting itself in the hope of not only appealing to new tastes of today’s modern day traveller but regaining its status as a family favourite. The added benefits this will bring to Tenerife’s property market could be significant.

• Tweet