The Canary Islands close the year with 18,4 million tourists and a record 23.186 billion euros in spending, driven by the profitability of the destination.
The archipelago is consolidating a higher value-added tourism model: spending (+3,9%) and employment (+3,4%) are growing despite the moderation of overnight stays and average length of stay.
According to data collected in the Tourism Trends Report for the fourth quarter of the past year, prepared by Corporación 5, Análisis y Estrategias for EXCELCAN and the Gran Canaria Chamber of Commerce, the Canary Islands ended 2025 with a solid tourism balance focused on quality and profitability. The archipelago received 18.386.274 tourists, 3,48% more than the previous year, while total tourist spending reached €23.185 billion, an increase of 3,91%, according to data from the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics (ISTAC).
The sector's growth is increasingly based on higher spending per visitor and improved prices and business margins, rather than on increased arrivals, consolidating a change of model towards higher value-added segments.
More revenue with less pressure on capacity
During 2025, 99 million overnight stays were recorded (-1,22%), and the average stay decreased slightly to 6,94 days, reflecting a shorter stay but with greater spending power. RevPAR (revenue per available room) grew by 6,52% to €104,53, demonstrating a clear improvement in hotel profitability.
In the fourth quarter, tourist spending again showed strength, with 6.444 million euros (+4,35%), despite arrivals only increasing by 0,31%.
Foreign tourism sustains growth
Eighty-nine percent of visitors were international, totaling 16,3 million foreign tourists, who continue to be the destination's main economic driver. These source markets prioritize higher-category accommodations and quality services, which explains the strong spending, especially in: accommodation (44% of the total); restaurants; local transport; and leisure activities.
Tourism employment at record highs
Tourism maintains its role as a strategic sector in the Canary Islands' labor market. In 2025, the number of tourism-related workers reached 232.338, a 3,40% increase, representing one in four jobs in the archipelago (24,54%). Furthermore, in the last quarter, employment continued to grow, reaching 237.647 workers.
Evolution by islands
The evolution was uneven across territories: Fuerteventura: +8,68% of tourists; Gran Canaria: +3,01%; Tenerife: +2,41%; Lanzarote: +1,68%; and La Palma: +19%, the largest increase of the year.
The capital islands account for more than 60% of total spending, with Tenerife leading the way at 9.134 billion euros.
Perspectives: stability and transformation of the model
Looking ahead to 2026, the sector anticipates a phase of growth stabilization, marked by the moderation of European demand and competition from other Mediterranean destinations.
A more profitable and sustainable model
The 2025 data confirms the transition of the Canary Islands towards a less volume-intensive and more value-competitive tourism, with a greater economic impact per visitor, better business results and more stable employment.
The archipelago thus consolidates its position as a safe, profitable and sustainable international destination, prepared to face the challenges of 2026 from a more solid and balanced base.
