Gran Canaria Tourism concluded its promotional agenda this January, focusing on Maspalomas, at the Holiday World Show in Dublin, the leading trade platform for the tourism sector in Ireland. The aim was to strengthen a market that brings approximately 120.000 visitors to the island annually. The island delegation, which attended alongside representatives from Mallorca's Barceló Hotels and Catalonia's Princess Hotels & Resorts chain, held strategic meetings with the country's main tour operators to ensure the stability of routes and occupancy rates in the southern part of the destination.
According to the technical data analyzed during the event, Gran Canaria closed 2025 with a total of 118.878 Irish tourists. This figure represents the consolidation of the growth experienced in 2024, a year in which the market registered an increase of 12,21%. Currently, the island accounts for 14% of all Irish tourist arrivals to the Canary Islands.
The economic profile of this market is characterized by an average expenditure per stay of €1.466, a figure in line with the average for foreign tourists on the island. However, there is a clear preference for the high-end segment: 35% of Irish visitors stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, while 22% opt for villas and apartments.
The island's tourism promotion agency developed a working agenda with key players in the Irish distribution sector. Air connectivity remains the backbone of this commercial relationship, with direct flights from Dublin, Shannon, and Cork airports, regularly operated by Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and TUI UK. One of the highlights of this year's event was the shift in end-consumer preferences. A significant increase in demand for "multi-center" trips was observed, combining traditional stays in the south with accommodations in the north and center of the island for specialized activities.
