These are official figures held by the Gran Canaria Tourism Board since last October, and they reflect the impact of issues in Las Palmas on Maspalomas, the economic capital of the Canary Islands. Real estate investment funds are at a loss for how to urge the authorities to take action. Despite Gran Canaria's goal of becoming a global connectivity hub by 2025, the third-quarter satisfaction data reveals the shortcomings that concern visitors. In a year where economy class flights have increased in price by 6%, the perception that the cost of the experience doesn't always match the service received has become the destination's biggest weakness.
The satisfaction analysis for the third quarter of 2025 reveals that, despite the initial appeal of 150 connected destinations, tourists visiting Gran Canaria are increasingly critical of the final bill. The value-for-money indicator stands out as the destination's Achilles' heel, scoring a mere 8,12 out of 10, the lowest in the entire satisfaction category. This figure starkly contrasts with the 6% increase in the average price of economy class flights, now reaching €196, and the cost of 5-star hotels, which, although down 3%, remains at an average of €180 per night. Visitors feel that while luxury services are becoming slightly cheaper to attract more tourists, basic services and transportation are becoming more expensive, eroding the perception of Gran Canaria as a "fair destination."
In the urban environment, this dissatisfaction translates into poor maintenance figures that tarnish the premium experience. The cleanliness of public spaces barely reaches 8,35 points, while the condition of pedestrian areas and sidewalks stagnates at 8,22, one of the lowest ratings in the survey. Adding to this is a long-standing complaint that has gained momentum in 2025: the lack of basic infrastructure on the beaches, where the absence of public restrooms and changing rooms negatively impacts the overall score of the beaches. Despite hotel searches in San Bartolomé de Tirajana tripling, tourists perceive that the municipality has not invested proportionally in the upkeep of its pedestrian "golden mile."
Ground transportation is another area where the island falls short compared to its excellent air connectivity. Taxi service receives a score of 8,51, while public buses (guaguas) score 8,56. These figures are worrying in a year where group travel grew by 30%; efficiently transporting these groups around the island has become a challenge that the current transportation system has yet to fully address. Furthermore, traffic and congestion are cited as points of contention, detracting from a destination that boasts of being a hub but suffers from gridlock on its main roads.
The retail and leisure sector is also under scrutiny from visitors. The retail sector scores 8,36 and the restaurant sector 8,57, figures which, while noteworthy, are significantly lower than the ratings for the climate (9,25) or the landscape (9,05). The tourist of 2025, who has driven a 23% increase in spending on premium flight options, demands a level of service and local product quality that is currently perceived as stagnant. Ultimately, what is least appealing is the contrast: an island that flies in Business Class but, in some parts of its ground transportation, continues to operate in Economy Class, which no longer meets the expectations of the current market.
Another critical point of contention lies in public infrastructure, specifically the condition and cleanliness of sidewalks and pedestrian areas. Tourists, especially those who have seen a 105% increase in searches for 5-star hotels, are expressing dissatisfaction with the urban environment surrounding luxury establishments. This dissatisfaction extends to shopping and dining areas, where the perceived quality falls short of the expectations of travelers seeking premium experiences.
Photo Atlantic Today 
