Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 12 June generated an estimated economic impact of €5.71 million, according to a report commissioned by the local council. The study, conducted by the Development Society, surveyed 961 attendees and Tenerife residents, revealing that around 47,600 people gathered for a mass in the city’s port, a key event during the papal visit.
Of the total economic impact, €3.04 million was direct spending, supplemented by €1.35 million in indirect impact and €1.32 million from induced effects. Notably, 89.4% of attendees travelled specifically for the pope’s visit, with 88% attending as general members of the public and 8% as pilgrims or religious group members.
The typical attendee was a woman aged between 45 and 64, with 92% residing in Tenerife, primarily in Santa Cruz and La Laguna. Visitors also came from other islands and mainland regions, with significant numbers from Germany, Colombia, and Venezuela. However, only 13% of participants stayed overnight, with most accommodation in Santa Cruz.
In terms of transport, 41% of attendees walked to the venue, while 28% used buses, 17% took the tram, and 15% drove. Among those from outside Tenerife, 90% arrived by air.
Attendees spent an average of €79.63, with €63.88 in Santa Cruz and €15.76 elsewhere on the island. The majority of spending was on dining (€1.11 million), followed by lodging (€714,494), transport to the island (€564,548), and non-food purchases (€327,750).
The analysis concluded that for every euro spent by attendees, an additional €0.88 was generated in the local economy, supported by the indirect and induced impacts of sectors such as hospitality and transport.
Furthermore, 94% of Tenerife residents reported following the event through television, with high satisfaction ratings for event organisation, security, and cleanliness. A significant benefit noted by respondents was the enhanced media profile and prestige for Santa Cruz, highlighted by 43.5% of those surveyed, along with social cohesion (23.6%), economic impact (20.1%), and a boost to tourism.
