Fuerteventura expects to exceed 90% occupancy this summer
Marlene Figueroa (Tourism Counselor) has highlighted the positive outcomes of Fuerteventura's promotional efforts despite this year's budget constraints aimed at prioritizing the island's infrastructure.
"Now, from the Tourism Department, we need to focus on better distributing the benefits of our success, contributing to the local economy, and committing to environmental and social sustainability," Figueroa explained.
The Fuerteventura Tourism Board has announced that for this summer, there are 1,446,792 regular airline seats scheduled, a 4.7% increase from 2023. This includes 283,794 seats from mainland Spain, marking an increase of 13,047 seats compared to last summer, and 1,162,988 seats from international destinations.
Based on data from tour operators and hotel chains, Figueroa noted that the average occupancy rate for July and August is around 86%, with forecasts predicting it will exceed 95% with last-minute bookings, a positive sign for the sector. This summer, Figueroa added, Fuerteventura is regaining domestic tourism levels thanks to promotions initiated last February, and there is strong demand from the UK market as well.
The collaboration between the Tourism Board, tour operators, travel agencies, and airlines, in conjunction with the Fuerteventura Chamber of Commerce, is yielding excellent results, particularly in terms of improving air connectivity and regaining competitiveness in traditional markets. This collaborative effort is also diversifying into new markets such as the Dutch, Belgian, Italian, French, and Portuguese.
Figueroa expressed satisfaction with these figures, which confirm the sector's solid progress on the island. These results stem from diligent efforts to restore competitiveness and reclaim market shares that had been lost. Achieving this has been challenging, especially in a year when the Tourism Board had to adjust its budget so the Cabildo could prioritize essential infrastructure investments.
The goal now is to effectively manage these positive outcomes and focus on better distributing the benefits generated by tourism in Fuerteventura, thereby stimulating the local economy and fostering environmental and social sustainability.
