SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, August 14 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Vice President of the Cabildo and Minister of Tourism, Lope Afonso, has disclosed that starting from November, Tenerife will establish a fresh direct link with Warsaw. This move is set to boost the positioning of our island as the top preference for Polish holidaymakers in the Canary Islands.
LOT Polish Airlines, the Polish airline, will commence operations connecting Tenerife and Warsaw starting from November 27th. The direct service is scheduled to operate three times a week, facilitating 35% of Polish tourists who choose hotels and apartments in the Canary Islands for their holidays.
Afonso emphasised that this development is part of the ongoing efforts by the Cabildo to enhance Tenerife’s air connectivity. This aspect is crucial in cementing our status as an appealing and competitive tourist destination.
Additionally, Afonso highlighted the significance of this new route in enhancing connectivity with the Polish market, which has experienced remarkable growth in Tenerife, particularly during the winter season.
He also underscored the prominence of LOT Polish Airlines, a notable Polish carrier, which reinforces the strategy of attracting visitors with higher purchasing power. The introduction of this new direct route will further enhance our island’s connectivity.
In her remarks, the CEO of Tourism, Dimple Melwani, pointed out that this new route fortifies the connectivity strategy devised by Turismo de Tenerife. The primary aim is to secure direct routes linking the island through major national airlines equipped with business class cabins and modern fleets. This initiative contributes to sustainable mobility, a pivotal aspect of the entity’s Strategic Plan.
Flights operated by LOT Polish Airlines between the Polish capital and Tenerife South Airport will be served by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, accommodating 189 passengers including business class seats. The service will be available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a flight duration of approximately 6 hours. The connection will be sustained throughout the winter season.
Tenerife welcomed 104,646 Polish visitors in hotels and apartments last year. From January to June 2024, the figure has already hit 69,738, signifying a 37.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023. In terms of passenger traffic, the air links from Poland saw over 154,000 Polish arrivals on the island in 2023, marking a 28.2% rise from 2022. In the cumulative total for July this year, the number of Polish travellers soared to over 124,000, reflecting a 55.6% surge from the corresponding period the previous year.
The tourism strategy towards Poland aims to raise awareness of Tenerife’s diverse offerings, encompassing its natural attractions, outdoor pursuits, heritage sites, cultural traditions, culinary delights, and a myriad of experiences available at the destination.