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's one destination that relies on British tourists, it's the south of Gran Canaria. Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Meloneras have been welcoming thousands of UK visitors every winter for decades, establishing themselves as their ideal refuge from the cold. However, the announcement by Jet2 , one of the leading British airlines and tour operators, to expand routes to Morocco for the winter of 2025/26 has set off alarm bells in the sector.
Starting in October and November 2025, British tourists will be able to fly directly to Agadir and Marrakech from Leeds and Bournemouth with Jet2 . The airline, which currently carries a significant portion of the tourists arriving at Gran Canaria Airport, has decided to double down on Morocco as an alternative winter destination . This means more direct competition for the south of the island, where British tourism is the main source market.
What's worrying isn't just Morocco's growth as a tourist destination, but the British government's support for this expansion. While the Canary Islands are debating tourist taxes and sustainability , the UK is promoting Morocco as its new priority destination , facilitating investment and supporting operators like Jet2 and TUI in their expansion in the North African country.
It's worth remembering that, as Maspalomas24h previously reported , Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy warned that the anti-tourism measures in the Canary Islands could ultimately take their toll on the tourism sector, not only in the archipelago but also nationwide. These predictions appear to be gradually coming true.
Morocco, for its part, has eliminated visa requirements for 70 countries, including the United Kingdom, and continues to attract tour operators with lower costs, tax incentives, and a competitive hotel offering . In a context where prices in the Canary Islands continue to rise, the difference is becoming noticeable, especially for middle- and lower-class British tourists seeking affordable options without sacrificing the warm climate.
The south of Gran Canaria remains a well-established destination, but competition from Morocco is already a reality . If Jet2 redirects some of its tourist traffic towards Agadir and Marrakech, the impact on hotels, restaurants, and shops in Maspalomas could be felt sooner rather than later.
British tourists have historically been the driving force behind tourism in the south of the island. However, with the current uncertainty surrounding regulations, taxes, and the lack of a clear policy to strengthen competitiveness, Gran Canaria risks losing market share to emerging destinations.
