Pride Maspalomas 2024: "We move 70 million, it is the most profitable event for entrepreneurs"

The south of Gran Canaria is set to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Maspalomas Winter Pride events, although it is also being held in Mogán, in Amadores. This year, it will not be possible to pay for drinks with Bizum. This year there is a programme of unique performances, activities and experiences and a record number of visitors is expected. The event's website has already received 47% more visitors compared to last year and many of the hotels in the area have put up the "full capacity" sign. The most popular events on the programme are already sold out in pre-sale, reflecting the growing popularity of Winter Pride as the most prominent LGTBI+ event of the winter season.

This 2024, Winter Pride has booked performances by top-level artists such as Cascada, 2 Unlimited, Corona, Robin S., Ultra Naté, Corona, Johnny Logan, Tara McDonald "and many more". In a statement to Maspalomas24H, the promoter company, Isla Mundial, SL, from Mogán, says that "with an expected 50.000 visitors, of which 40.000 will be tourists, Winter Pride not only celebrates diversity and inclusion, "but also generates a significant economic impact in the region (sic) with 70 million euros". The visitors, with a profile of "high purchasing power", leave an average expense of "2.000 euros per person during their 9-night stay", making this event "the most profitable of the year for local businessmen", they assure.

The main issuing markets are the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands "and Spain", says the official note. The organization of Winter Pride 2024 faces the challenge of covering the high costs of the event, due to the "disproportionate increase in expenses on flights, logistics and production". The San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council, Promotur Canarias, Gran Canaria Tourism Board, Lopesan, Sonocom and Hiperdino help "continue offering free galas at the Yumbo Shopping Center".

LGBTQ+ tourism in the south of Gran Canaria, especially in areas such as Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, has established itself as a key segment with a considerable contribution to the local economy. Maspalomas hosts numerous events, such as Maspalomas Pride, Winter Pride and the Freedom Festival, which attract thousands of international tourists every year. These festivals, which are supported by local associations and businesses, generate a great economic impact by boosting consumption in hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and other leisure establishments in the region, and it is estimated that Maspalomas Pride alone generates millions of euros in annual revenue.