With the winter season just around the corner, the hotel sector in the south of Gran Canaria is preparing to welcome thousands of tourists looking to escape the European cold. However, visitors who choose this subtropical paradise as their holiday destination in the winter of 2024 will face a significant increase in accommodation prices. Safety comes at a cost: 1.000 tourists from RIU Hotels in Cape Verde have been affected by a bacteria in their food that has left clients with gastric problems on holiday.
According to data collected by industry associations and booking platforms by Maspalomas24H, hotel prices in the most popular tourist areas, such as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras, have experienced an average increase of 12% compared to the previous winter. This increase is driven by a combination of factors, from high demand, to rising utility costs, to widespread inflation affecting the entire European economy.
One of the main factors behind the rise is the complete reactivation of tourism after the impact of the pandemic. "In 2023 we already saw a strong recovery, but this year we noticed that interest in the south of Gran Canaria has reached historic figures," says Carlos López, manager of a well-known hotel in Meloneras. "The high occupancy has led us to adjust prices, especially in the high winter season, which is when we receive more tourists from northern Europe."
Energy costs are another key issue. Hotel facilities have suffered a significant increase in their energy bills, due to the rise in the price of electricity and gas. In the words of the Hotel and Non-Hotel Association of Gran Canaria, “establishments are doing everything possible to maintain the quality of their services, but inevitably, higher operating costs are reflected in the rates.”
The price increase is not only affecting luxury hotels, but also lower-end accommodation. Apartment complexes, a popular choice for families and couples looking for cheaper stays, have also adjusted their rates upwards, with increases varying between 8% and 10%. Despite this, occupancy for the months of December to February is already close to 80%, suggesting that demand remains strong.
In addition, tourists are faced with higher prices for complementary services, such as restaurants, excursions and leisure activities, which have followed the same inflationary trend. “It is a chain,” explains María Fernández, manager of a restaurant in the Playa del Inglés area. “The cost of fresh produce and imports has gone up, and this is noticed by both residents and tourists.” However, despite the increases, experts agree that Gran Canaria remains a competitive destination within the European market. “Compared to other areas of the Mediterranean or Caribbean destinations, it remains an affordable option,” notes a recent report by the tourism portal Travel Insights.
As winter approaches and bookings continue to rise, travellers will have to adjust their budgets if they want to enjoy the privileged climate and beaches of southern Gran Canaria. But despite the economic impact, the island is confident that it will continue to be the ideal refuge for those looking to escape the cold and enjoy an unforgettable holiday in 2024. In short, the hotel sector in southern Gran Canaria faces a winter with higher rates, although with the assurance that, both for its climate and its tourist infrastructure, it will continue to be one of the most coveted destinations in Europe.
