canary islands residents inter island holidays

Canary Islands residents choose inter-island holidays

Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.

Canary Islands residents choose to holiday at home

Residents of the Canary Islands know exactly where they want to spend their holidays: in the Canary Islands. The archipelago ranks as the preferred destination for Canarians when travelling, ahead of mainland Spain and international destinations, according to the report “Travel Trends in the Canarian Population”, produced by the marketing and communications agency 22GRADOS using data from the AIMC Marcas 2026 study. The analysis paints a picture of the profile and habits of the Canarian traveller and challenges some of the most widespread clichés about their holiday behaviour.

Adults aged 35-54 lead the way

Contrary to the idea that younger people are the main drivers of domestic tourism, the study identifies a mature, established profile as the principal protagonist, particularly those aged between 35 and 54. The most significant finding of the report is the weight of inter-island tourism. The Canary Islands are not only consolidating their position as an international tourist destination, but also as the first choice for their own residents when it comes to enjoying their holidays.

This behaviour reinforces the potential of the domestic market and opens up new opportunities for destinations, businesses and tourism operators across the archipelago. The proximity, the ease of travelling between islands and knowledge of the territory make inter-island tourism one of the main engines of the sector.

Beyond sun and beach

The study also debunks another common assumption. When Canarians travel to Europe, they are not necessarily seeking sun-and-beach destinations. City breaks take on notable prominence, pointing to a greater diversity of interests and experiences when travelling beyond the islands. As for accommodation, the preferred option for Canarian residents when travelling is staying at the home of family or friends, ahead of hotels and holiday rental platforms such as Airbnb. This reflects the continuing importance of family and personal networks in the way the archipelago’s population travels, and helps explain some of the peculiarities of Canarian tourist behaviour compared with other markets.

Value and flexibility key in a changing market

The report arrives in a summer marked by growing concern over rising prices and overcrowding at certain destinations. Even so, holidays continue to occupy a priority place for residents. In this context, the analysis points to a shift in messaging that could prove more effective in connecting with the Canarian traveller. Rather than encouraging greater spending, the key lies in conveying that the getaway is still worthwhile through concepts such as value, proximity and flexibility. The data reveals a traveller who maintains their desire to travel, but who is paying ever more attention to price, comfort and the experience they receive in return.

The 22GRADOS report offers a snapshot of the holiday behaviour of residents in the archipelago and provides key insights into how, when and where they travel. Its conclusions paint a picture of a domestic market with significant room for growth, and a consumer who combines an interest in discovering new destinations with a strong connection to their own territory.

🧭 Explore the Canary Islands with us
📰 Read more Canary Islands news ☀️ Check Canary Islands weather 🏖️ Find the best beaches in the Canaries 📲 Join us on WhatsApp

Source

Scroll to Top