pope leo xiv hotel occupancy canary islands

Pope Leo XIV visit sends hotel occupancy soaring in Canaries

Hotels near full capacity for papal visit

The Canary Islands are experiencing a historic day with the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, an event that has not only mobilised the faithful, curious onlookers and professionals from all walks of life, but has also left its mark on the hotel sector. With the pontiff already in Gran Canaria, and less than 24 hours before he lands in Tenerife, occupancy at hotels on the two islands chosen for his main events has soared, with establishments in the metropolitan areas now practically full.

Indeed, the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Employers of Las Palmas (FEHT) reports that hotels in the Gran Canarian capital reached 100% occupancy last night. It predicts a similar situation for tonight’s evening. “Although one of the events is taking place in Arguineguín, the southern part of the island is showing normal occupancy for this time of year, between 80 and 85%,” they point out. However, in Las Palmas, bookings had been closed weeks in advance, leaving hotels with no rooms available for days.

For its part, the Hotel and Non-Hotel Association of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Ashotel) estimates average occupancy of 80% in the Tenerife metropolitan area on the eve of the pontiff’s arrival, both in Santa Cruz and La Laguna. This is a high figure, though slightly lower than that of its neighbouring island.

Historic event showcases islands’ capacity

For both industry bodies, this historic event confirms the archipelago’s capacity to host international events. Miriam Ortega, vice-president of Ashotel, explains that these figures go beyond a temporary spike in demand. “The important thing here is the image projected of Tenerife, which demonstrates that the metropolitan area is prepared to host events of international relevance and responds with professionalism,” she says.

She adds that although the pope will not stay overnight on the island — he will sleep in Gran Canaria — his scheduled events in the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Cristóbal de la Laguna do influence hotel occupancy. FEHT, taking a similar position, recalls that this event generates only positive feelings. “It allows us to demonstrate the management capacity of the Canary Islands, which has been seen on other occasions, but perhaps this time it takes on greater importance,” they note.

Professionals and pilgrims flock to events

In this context, not a soul will miss the various events presided over by the pope in the archipelago — whether they be faithful arriving from different locations or curious locals who do not want to miss witnessing this historic occasion. Alongside them are hundreds of professionals who, not for pleasure but out of necessity, will work to ensure the smooth running of a day that promises to bring together thousands of people.

Ortega points out that this level of occupancy responds, in most cases, to travel linked to the organisation of the event. “Whether journalists from various media outlets or, for example, Civil Guard officers and police from the security teams,” she notes. However, she acknowledges that there are also visitors, mostly residents of the Canary Islands, seeking accommodation close to the planned events. “They tend to be people who want to take part in one of the celebrations, such as the mass in the port area or the gatherings scheduled in La Laguna,” she adds.

A similar picture is emerging in the other province, though with a nuance. “Most are pilgrims and families, but many members of the religious community are also staying,” say representatives from the Gran Canarian industry body.

Some hotels exceed 90% occupancy

In Tenerife, although it is true that the average stands at around 80% occupancy, the vice-president warns that some hotels have figures above 90%. Such is the case of AC Hotel Tenerife — located right in the centre of the Tenerife capital — which, with just 7% remaining, has all its rooms reserved. Or Hotel Laguna Nivaria, situated in the La Laguna historic quarter, with a reservation level of up to 98%.

“We are a small hotel, and an extraordinary event of this magnitude always benefits us quite a lot, but it is true that this time we have noticed that a huge number of people are coming,” reveals the hotel’s deputy director, Ayoze Walo. For now, the establishment has not designed a specific protocol for the day. “We are waiting for more information to arrive so we can plan the check-in and check-out times for guests,” he explains.

For his part, the reception manager of AC Hotel Tenerife, Alejandro Hernández, explains that his team has been responsible for communicating traffic closures in the city centre for the pope-mobile route. “We have spoken with the two clients whose bookings cover 11 and 12 June,” he mentions.

Hotels capitalise with revenue management

This opportunity has also allowed hotels to raise their prices, and a quick search on websites confirms this. According to the Booking search engine, 97% of accommodation for the night of 11 to 12 June in Santa Cruz is already unavailable. Prices range between €80 and €225, depending on proximity. In La Laguna, it is much the same. “On these occasions, we usually make use of revenue management,” confesses Walo.

This refers to the strategy used in the hotel industry to maximise profits by adjusting prices according to fluctuations in supply and demand. In this regard, establishments in both Las Palmas and La Laguna and Santa Cruz have made the most of the Holy Father’s visit to the Canary Islands.

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