41,6 euros per month, including taxes, is the increase that employers are offering tourism sector workers in a special 500-euro payment, which, after taxes, would amount to 425 euros, or 35,4 euros per month. In the Canary Islands, those in power are making light of the hotel strike called by the Canary Islands Trade Union Federation, the UGT (Union of Workers), and the CC.OO (Working Council of Workers) for Holy Thursday and Good Friday, days on which 170.000 professionals are calling for a general strike to demand better wages. Losses in Maspalomas are estimated at 80 million euros in a month that, according to ISTAC data, traditionally generates an expenditure of 1.600 euros during the Easter holiday.
Easter represents one of the most important seasons for the tourism sector in the Canary Islands. During this period, the archipelago experiences a notable increase in both domestic and international visitors, which translates into a strong economic recovery. It is estimated that, in just one week, tourism can generate more than €150 million in revenue, particularly boosting sectors such as hospitality, transportation, commerce, and leisure.
Hotel occupancy rates during this time of year typically exceed 85% on average, even reaching 95% in established tourist destinations such as southern Tenerife, Maspalomas, and Playa Blanca in Lanzarote. This high demand not only benefits the accommodation sector but also stimulates temporary bookings and consumption in restaurants, tourist activities, excursions, and local businesses. Easter thus establishes itself as a key period for the financial stability of many tourism businesses.
Regarding monthly economic performance, tourism in the Canary Islands maintains an average turnover ranging between €1.100 billion and €1.600 billion depending on the season. The months of March and April—when Easter usually falls—typically reflect an increase of up to 15% compared to previous months, making them some of the most profitable in the first half of the year. This peak is due to both international and local tourism, including visitors from the Iberian Peninsula and the archipelago itself.
According to data from previous years, January and February generate between €1.250 and €1.300 billion, while the Easter boost raises the figure in March and April to €1.450 and €1.600 billion. After this period of high performance, May and June show a slight slowdown before the new surge that arrives with the peak summer season. August, for example, can exceed €1.600 billion, remaining the month with the highest annual tourist activity.
The impact of Holy Week goes beyond the short term: it contributes to a decline in visitor loyalty, damages the destination's reputation, and undermines the Canary Islands' attractiveness year-round. It also indirectly affects other sectors such as agriculture, logistics, culture, and crafts, which find this week an opportunity to expand their sales channels and reach a broader and more diverse audience.
