Southern Gran Canaria remains a solid European destination, but the island faces strong competition from Antalya, Turkey, which is consolidating its appeal among international travelers. How is this Turkish destination growing so much? The situation in Antalya reflects a broader challenge facing Turkey in its fight against money laundering and corruption in the real estate sector. While significant progress has been made, such as Turkey's removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) "gray list" in 2024, effective policy implementation and international cooperation will be essential to comprehensively address this problem.
According to Mabrian data released by the Gran Canaria Tourist Board, the island has an overall tourism perception index of 82,36, combining hotel, product, safety, and climate, with a year-on-year growth of 1,7%. Antalya achieved an index of 85,04, leading in climate and safety, while Mallorca and Tenerife ranked lower, with 78,79 and 73,49, respectively.
In international air traffic, Antalya projects 4,5 million seats between September and November, an increase of 20,27%, compared to Gran Canaria's 2 million (+6,06%). During the high season, from December to February, the gap remains: Antalya leads with 4 million seats, while Gran Canaria reaches 1,8 million, showing growth potential but with less reach than the Turkish destination.
In terms of accommodation, Gran Canaria maintains competitive rates: 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels range from €117, €157, and €292 in mid-season, rising to €136, €176, and €327 in high season. Antalya boasts similar prices for high-end hotels, but with higher customer satisfaction at 5-star hotels (94 versus 78,2 in Gran Canaria). The balance between the two destinations reflects a clear trend: Gran Canaria stands out in global perception and safety, while Antalya gains ground thanks to a combination of favorable climate, expansion of airline seats, and a perceived superior hotel experience. The Canary Island must strengthen innovation in tourism products and connectivity to maintain its competitive advantage over Mediterranean and Turkish competitors.
