This is one of the biggest secrets that the Gran Canaria Tourism Board has to close 2023. The National Geographic travel unit will sell tourism packages based on sustainability, expanding its radius of action to Gáldar and to the south of the island in those spaces related to the historical heritage of the island such as Agüimes and Santa Lucía de Tirajana. In this way, Gran Canaria is the only destination in Spain that will be in the National Geographic Day Tours offer. National Geographic day trips follow the strict criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
The first proposal that came to National Geographic to promote Gran Canaria was 10 years ago from former advisor Melchor Camón. The Minister of Tourism of Gran Canaria, Carlos Álamo, has tied the hand of the Nordic market technicians of the island's promotional entity the National Geographic plan is going to launch excursions to the island and already has on the roadmap the La Fortaleza site. Reason? Introduce travelers to the unique technique of embalming the mummy that ended up on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1955. Exclusive access to the archives room and a tour with an archaeologist approved by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria will be given.
National Geographic's partner in this operation in 2023 is TUI Nordic, which will be in charge of offering the new full-day and half-day excursions regardless of the type of vacation. Activities are specially selected by National Geographic. You will often have access to areas that are normally closed to the general public and you will have with you an expert in various fields, such as archaeology, marine biology, history or research.
Anne Mørk-Løwengreen, communications director at TUI Norway, explains that "experiences and activities are increasingly important for Norwegians during their holidays because we not only want sun and sand, but we would like to know the history and culture of the places we visit. This collaboration project with National Geographic hits the nail on the head," he says
TUI and National Geographic are expanding their collaboration so that everyone can come in and book tours, even those who are not on holiday with TUI. At the same time, new excursions are being launched in several destinations, while several are already in development. The excursions will be in small groups and take you to places that the general public would not otherwise have access to. “These activities will provide our guests with local, authentic and first-class experiences,” says Peter Ulwahn, CEO of TUI Musement. Gran Canaria is among the destinations offered by National Geographic Day Tours.
A portion of the proceeds goes to the global nonprofit National Geographic Society. These funds support National Geographic in its efforts to protect and illuminate the world through exploration, research and education. "We take travelers to extraordinary places, where they can benefit from the experience and knowledge of our National Geographic-trained guides. Experiences can be requested digitally while traveling the world," said Nancy Schumacher, senior vice president and director general of National Geographic Expeditions.
