The Canary Islands are facing a dramatic shift in holidaymakers' habits as a tourism expert warns that a "perfect storm" of modern travel challenges is beginning to drive visitors away from the Spanish archipelago. Ryan Kyle, a seasoned travel writer, videographer and founder of Irish Travel Addict, visits the islands regularly. Having travelled to Gran Canaria twice in the last six months alone - with a road trip to Tenerife booked for next month - he has witnessed the changing landscape on the ground firsthand.
According to the expert, the recent shifts in visitor numbers aren't down to just one single issue. Instead, the archipelago faces a complex set of issues that are forcing travellers to reconsider their usual holiday plans. Ryan told the Express: "From my perspective, the decline in visitor numbers isn't down to a single factor. Instead, it's the result of several overlapping trends. A perfect storm."
Soaring Costs Hit Holidaymakers
First and foremost, holidaymakers are feeling the pinch before they even board the aircraft, as the islands' legendary affordability faces a sharp reality check. "Travel costs have risen significantly," Ryan said. "Flights, accommodation and daily expenses are all noticeably higher than they were a few years ago, which is causing some travellers to reconsider traditional sunshine destinations."
Travel costs have surged by roughly 20% to 30% since 2020, driven by inflation and spiking jet fuel prices. Meanwhile, hotel rates have surged roughly 17% to over 20% globally since the end of lockdowns, according to Simple Flying. Restaurant tabs and entertainment venues cost approximately 20% to 26% more, further squeezing holiday budgets.
Post-Brexit Border Headaches
For British holidaymakers, the days of breezing through Spanish airports are over. Since the UK left the European Union a decade ago, extra red tape has stripped away the ease of what used to be a hassle-free getaway. This includes longer queues at passport control, additional checks on arrival and more hassle for last-minute weekend breaks.
"Post-Brexit border procedures have made travel feel less seamless for British visitors," Ryan noted. "The prospect of longer queues and additional checks can influence destination choices, particularly for short breaks. I've seen this anecdotally in conversations with friends and family."
Anti-Tourism Protests Add to Uncertainty
Adding fuel to the fire is the atmosphere generated by recent, high-profile local demonstrations. Mass protests have rocked the Canary Islands, with residents marching against the strain that unsustainable tourism models put on local infrastructure and housing. In April 2024, coordinated protests across the islands saw over 50,000 residents unite under the slogan "Canarias tiene un límite" (the Canary Islands have a limit). Activists in Tenerife undertook a highly publicised hunger strike to stop the construction of two luxury hotel complexes and demand a moratorium on tourism development.
While activists insist their anger is directed at politicians rather than the travellers themselves, the global media coverage has undoubtedly left a mark on British consumer confidence. "There's no doubt that the overtourism protests have generated an impression through international headlines," Ryan said. "While most visitors understand the demonstrations are aimed at unsustainable tourism models rather than tourists themselves, the coverage may have created uncertainty among some potential holidaymakers."
Shift Towards Sustainable Tourism
However, the drop in raw passenger numbers might not be an accident - it could be exactly what local governments are aiming for. Across Southern Europe, a major legislative shift is underway to combat housing shortages and environmental degradation. Rather than panicking over fewer arrivals, local authorities in the Canaries are actively pivoting away from mass tourism in favour of a different demographic.
"Increasingly, the focus appears to be on attracting fewer visitors who stay longer and spend more, rather than chasing higher arrival numbers," Ryan revealed. "That aligns with wider conversations taking place across Southern Europe around sustainability, housing pressures and destination management."
Brits Still Show Strong Demand
Despite the current turbulence, the expert does not believe the British bond with islands such as Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria is completely broken. Thanks to their reliable year-round sunshine and diverse landscapes, the islands still hold a massive competitive advantage. "Despite the recent figures, I still see strong demand for the Canary Islands," Ryan concludes. "Their year-round climate, accessibility and variety of experiences continue to make them one of Europe's most attractive holiday destinations. The bigger story may be in how tourism evolves, rather than whether tourists stop coming altogether!"
Around 3.83 million Brits visited the Canary Islands in 2025, with the UK remaining the archipelago's largest international source market. Brits generated nearly one-third of all foreign arrivals and spent an average of €191 (£163) per day.
