Upward Trend for Tourism Continues

The following article was written by Lanzarote Guidebook and confirms that whilst visitor numbers to Lanzarote may have fallen in April, the year to date trend is stronger than last year: \\\"Foreign visitor numbers to Lanzarote fell back in April. But the underlying trend for the islands tourist industry remains positive. According to figures just released by the Cabildo de Lanzarote. Tourist numbers for April were down by 5.6% on 2007 figures. Due to the fact that Easter fell in March this year. But the overall trend for island tourism remained upbeat – with visitor numbers still showing an overall increase of 8.7% across the first four months of the year. The statistics, compiled by the Cabildo del Lanzarote, reveal that foreign tourist numbers increased by just over 36,000 versus the same period in 2007. And despite the fact that the peak holiday period of Easter fell in March, British visitor numbers still rose during April 2008. Up by 0.8%. Whilst visitor numbers from Switzerland and Sweden rose substantially too, up 36.6% and 30.1% respectively. Positive Word of Mouth Driving Visitor Numbers More tourists visiting Lanzarote are forming a positive impression of the island. Which is in turn helping to drive visitor numbers. According to a survey compiled by the Canarian Institute of Statistics. The survey – which was conducted at Arrecife airport during September to December 2007 – polled a representative sample of 812 tourists. 37.56% of the respondents were British, whilst 21.88% were Spanish and 16.84% were German. And the findings revealed that 94% of all visitors had formed a very good or good impression of the island during their stay. An indicator that has improved over the last three years – and which is helping to generate excellent word of mouth for the island. As 20% of the visitors polled were enjoying a holiday in Lanzarote as the result of a positive recommendation from a friend or family member. Indeed, this customer satisfaction factor appears to be one of Lanzarote´s most powerful marketing tools. And would certainly appear to be more effective than current conventional marketing campaigns – with just 5.16% of respondents visiting the island as a result of coming across information in the mainstream print media. And a paltry 0.5% arriving in Arrecife airport as a result of visiting a holiday fair or exhibition. The internet is also starting to have a major influence – with 15.97% of respondents stating that they were visiting Lanzarote as a result of finding out about the island online. Whilst just 5.9% were here as the result of visiting a travel agent. The findings further revealed that tourists visiting Lanzarote spend an average of €40.78 per person per day whilst on the island. With Norwegian tourists emerging as the real big spenders – shelling out way above this average at €70.70 per day. The survey also gives an insight into the quantity of tourists that visit the island on all inclusive basis – with 20% of all respondents polled staying in either a hotel or apartment complex on this type of package. A figure that has increased on previous years. The organizer of the survey, Carlos Espino echoed the complaints of many local businesses expressing his concern that all inclusive packages ‘generate less income for the destination”. Almost half of the visitors polled were billeted in establishments such as apartment complexes, bungalows or rental villas. Whilst four star hotels were chosen by 29.89% of tourists. In terms of the reason why tourists selected Lanzarote, the islands climate was the main motive, followed by the tranquility and relaxation to be enjoyed here and the high quality of the islands many beaches. The survey also provided a snap shot of socio-economic background of the type of tourists visiting the island. With business owners and the self employed forming the largest sector – at 27%. The Timanfaya Volcano Park emerged as the most impressive tourist attraction – whilst the Jameos del Agua was also highly rated by respondents\\\"

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Date Published: 27-05-2008