SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 31 Oct (EUROPA PRESS) –
Once again, Tenerife participates in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, which takes place from November 5 to 7. The objective is to enhance its direct air links with the United Kingdom, while also solidifying its position as a sustainable and varied destination, aimed at affluent travellers with a greater capacity to invest in culture, gastronomy, nature-related activities, and lifestyle among other aspects.
The island’s delegation will be headed by Rosa Dávila, president of the Cabildo of Tenerife; Lope Afonso, vice president and tourism advisor, and Dimple Melwani, the CEO of Tourism of Tenerife. In addition to staff from the public tourism organisation, they will be accompanied by a group of affiliated companies, alongside representatives from the island’s tourist municipalities.
Rosa Dávila remarked, “The WTM is undeniably a crucial venue for both present and future tourism. Tenerife must engage in these global platforms as the most influential voices are present here, defining the foundations for a sector that has a significant impact on the economy, environment, and society.”
“From Tenerife, we firmly recognise the importance of these gatherings as they provide an opportunity to reflect and collaborate on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, a model that respects and enhances the environment. For this reason, the Cabildo, through Tenerife Tourism and with the support of its professionals, is participating in London this week,” she added.
According to Dávila, “our commitment is unequivocal: to actively engage in arenas where major decisions are made. Being present here enables us to collaborate with all stakeholders in the tourism value chain, from tour operators and agents to authorities and tech companies, uniting efforts to drive change that transforms tourism into a positive and regenerative force.”
Lope Afonso, the Vice President and Tourism Minister, underscored that the London WTM presents an opportunity to continue investing in the sustainability and quality of our Island: “We are dedicated to consolidating Tenerife in the British market, enhancing competitiveness and promoting the profitability of our enterprises, as well as stabilising employment on the Island. Additionally, we aim to diversify our offerings until we attain quality in this market too.”
Lope Afonso further noted that efforts to diversify the tourism offerings will persist, enhancing the Island’s status as a premier sustainable tourist destination, along with a focus on experiences, nature, active tourism, gastronomy, and significant cultural and sporting events. “We are committed to improving quality for the destination, which results in increased spending and enhanced profitability,” he stated.
Dimple Melwani, CEO of Tourism of Tenerife, mentioned that the WTM “provides an opportunity to convey our strategy for the British market, highlighting a distinctive and sustainable tourism proposition, whilst reaching new segments of British travellers who are attuned to culture, traditions, nature, and gastronomy, in addition to gaining firsthand insight into the current market situation and projections for 2025.”
Some of the airlines, agencies, and tour operators with whom Tenerife will meet at the WTM—nearly fifty in total—include Easyjet, Jet2, British Airways, Expedia, Destinia, TUI and PGA Tours, alongside interviews with media outlets such as Travel Bulletin, Travel Gossip, or TTG.
In a new initiative this year, the island will host an event on November 4, the day prior to the commencement of the WTM, to showcase Tenerife’s attractions as a tourist destination, particularly its premium offerings, in the iconic Banking Hall building situated in the heart of London. This event will welcome approximately one hundred tour operators, travel agents, and British journalists who specialise in tourism.
The gathering will prominently feature the island’s wines, and new projects designed to enhance the catalog of establishments on the island will also be unveiled, including the Hotel Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz, which is part of the high-end offerings that the destination has been developing for some time. This establishment plans to open to the public in the coming months following a comprehensive renovation.
LEADER IN THE BRITISH MARKET
The British market remains the principal source of travellers spending their holidays in Tenerife. According to data from the Canary Islands Statistics Institute (ISTAC) analysed by the Tourism Research Department of Tenerife, the number of travellers of British nationality staying in tourist lodgings on the island (hotels and apartments) rose to 1,561,349 in the first nine months of 2024, marking an 8.5% increase compared to the same timeframe the previous year.
During this period, arrivals from British airports totalled 2,052,007, reflecting a 9.1% increase, which positions Tenerife as the foremost destination in the archipelago, accounting for 44.1% of all arrivals to the Canary Islands in that same timeframe. This year, a total of 22 air connections link the Island with the United Kingdom, operated by six different airline groups.
