It is a classic question for tourists who choose to stay in the south of Gran Canaria at Christmas: which supermarket to go to for their shopping? The chains in the south of Gran Canaria take into account these questions from short and long distance tourists. The extensive network of Spar stores with local prices has provided an answer both in Mogán and in Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Maspalomas or San Fernando, reducing the white label in favour of products that are known by visitors to the south of Gran Canaria, which in 2024 has reinforced its attention with Uber Eats with 23 supermarkets in the south of Gran Canaria.
Tourist spending in the Canary Islands reached remarkable figures in 2023, reflecting its crucial role in the regional economy. Of the total of 19.563 million euros spent, 14,09% (2.757 million) corresponded to food, with 892 million euros allocated to supermarkets, thus consolidating the relevance of these establishments in the visitor experience. This increase is linked to the higher average spending per tourist, which amounted to 1.386,82 euros, 5,53% more than in 2022. Gran Canaria, in particular, experienced growth with spending on food of 343 million euros, according to official data from the Chamber of Commerce of Gran Canaria and Excelcan.
In the south of Gran Canaria, where many foreigners reside, supermarkets have seen a significant increase in activity, with the Spar chain standing out in particular as the preferred chain for this population due to its capillarity, given that the German hard discount stores are not worth it since many long-stay residents do not drive and the taxi service can take the difference in prices.
The average daily expenditure per tourist in the Canary Islands was 38,03 euros, with a considerable proportion spent on food and supermarkets, in parallel with spending in restaurants and cafes, which amounted to 1.865 million euros. Growth in spending on food. The growth in tourism has also had a multiplier effect on the local economy in the south of Gran Canaria, where chains such as Spar have opted for a line with products of tourist origin and complemented by the offer of fresh Canarian products.
According to Excelcan data, total tourist expenditure will account for 2023% of GDP in 35,18, compared to 31,91% of GDP in 2019. The growth experienced over the last year is due both to the greater influx of tourists and to the increase in spending by tourists, which will amount to 2023 euros in 1.386,82, i.e. an additional 5,53% compared to spending per tourist in 2022 (1.314,14 euros).
Of these items, the one that experienced the greatest growth compared to 2022 and in absolute terms was accommodation, which increased by 1.187 million euros (16,19%), followed by national and international transport, which grew by 833 million euros during 2023. Total tourist expenditure was 43,57% on accommodation (8.524 million euros), and food, which increased by 363 million euros (15,17%). Gran Canaria: 5.459 million euros, which grew by 20,70% compared to 2022 and 26,26% compared to 2019.