The main tour operator in the United Kingdom is betting on Morocco for the upcoming winter and it could mean a debacle in the tourist forecasts in the south of Gran Canaria for one of the seasons on which the sector depends the most
If there is a destination that depends on British tourists, it is the south of Gran Canaria. Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras have been receiving thousands of visitors from the United Kingdom every winter for decades, consolidating themselves as their ideal refuge from the cold. However, the announcement of Jet2, one of Britain's leading airlines and tour operators, to expand routes to Morocco for winter 2025/26 has set off alarm bells in the sector.
From October and November 2025, Britons will be able to fly with Jet2 directly Agadir and Marrakechfrom Leeds and Bournemouth. The airline, which currently handles a significant part of the tourists arriving at Gran Canaria airport, has decided to double its commitment to Morocco as alternative winter destinationThis means more direct competition for the south of the island, where British tourism represents the majority. main issuing market.
The worrying thing is not only the growth of Morocco as a tourist destination, but the British government backingto this expansion. While in the Canary Islands there is debate about tourist taxes and sustainability, the United Kingdom is promoting Morocco as your new priority destination, facilitating investments and supporting operators such as Jet2 and TUI in its expansion in the North African country.
It should be remembered that, As Maspalomas24h already reportedJet2 CEO Steve Heapy has already warned that the moves against tourism in the Canary Islands could end up taking their toll on the tourism sector, not only in the archipelago, but also at a national level. These predictions seem to be gradually coming true.
Morocco, for its part, has eliminated visas for 70 countries, including the United Kingdom, and continues to attract tour operators with lower costs, tax incentives and a competitive hotel offerIn a context where prices in the Canary Islands continue to rise, the difference is beginning to be noticeable, especially for middle- and lower-class British tourists, who are looking for affordable options without losing the warm climate.
The south of Gran Canaria remains a consolidated destination, but competition with Morocco already a reality. If Jet2 redirects part of its tourist flow to Agadir and Marrakech, the impact on hotels, restaurants and shops from Maspalomas could be felt sooner rather than later.
The British tourist has historically been the driving force of tourism in the south of the island. However, with the current uncertainty about regulations, taxes and the lack of a clear policy to strengthen competitiveness, Gran Canaria runs the risk of lose market share in favor of emerging destinations.
