SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, July 7. (EUROPE PRESS) –
The plenary session of the Cabildo de Tenerife today, Thursday, approved by a majority a motion for the island to be the headquarters of the European Tourism Agency. Among the arguments put forward, the most representative figures of the island’s leadership in tourism stand out, as well as Tenerife’s accommodation offer in 4 and 5-star establishments, the largest in Europe.
In the approved text it is argued that Tenerife has more than enough reasons to host this institution. The Island brings together the largest total air traffic in the Canary Islands, even exceeding that registered before the pandemic with some source countries, such as France, Italy, Austria, Iceland, Hungary or the Czech Republic, which is contributing to the diversification of source markets. With 15% more connectivity, the Island connects with 31 markets and 137 destinations through 54 airlines, in addition to the recent opening to the North American market with the direct flight Tenerife South-New York. The main international airport and 99% of connections to the European continent are brought together by Tenerife Sur.
The Island houses 38% of the accommodation offer in hotels and apartments in the Canary Islands; 36% of tourism in the Archipelago and 34% of total overnight stays on the islands. Likewise, it contributes 36% of the accommodation income of the Canary Islands and 37% of tourist turnover. Tourist arrivals account for 39% of the total for the Canary Islands. Tenerife also has the largest concentration of four and five star hotels in Europe.
The motion highlights that Tenerife, as a diverse territory, has much to offer: the Island has 43 of the 146 protected areas in the Canary Islands. Almost half of its surface is protected (48%), in addition to two World Heritage Sites: the Teide National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007, and the city of La Laguna, a World Heritage Site. Humanity since 1999, the only one in the Canary Islands that currently has this title awarded by Unesco.
Also, the Anaga Rural Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2015, for its geological and landscape richness where human action has modeled unique agricultural landscapes. The Santa Cruz Carnival, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, is another of the outstanding attractions.
Tenerife looks to the future in its sustainable and digital transition, thanks to the certification as a Biosphere tourist destination, to which more than 250 entities have already adhered. In addition, it is the first Smart Tourist Destination in Spain, a certification granted by the State Society for the Management of Innovation and Tourism Technologies (Segittur) for exceeding 80% compliance with the intensive use of ICT in the management of services. and smart development to improve the quality of life and social well-being of residents and visitors.
