Strengthening Ties: The Canary Islands and Czech Tourism

A Strategic Collaboration

The tourism sector of the Canary Islands is actively collaborating with the Czech tourism industry to enhance market diversification and attract higher-value visitors. This initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, led by Minister Jéssica de León. The collaboration includes professional workshops in the Czech Republic, organized in partnership with the tour operator Canaria Travel. The inaugural event took place in Prague, with additional sessions planned in Brno.

Showcasing the Islands

During these workshops, representatives from the islands of La Palma, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, along with a dozen local companies, are engaging with Czech travel agencies and tour operators. The focus is on strategic tourism segments, including family, nature and active tourism, cultural and gourmet experiences, the LGTBIQ+ community, and premium personalized travel. This targeted approach aims to connect with travelers who seek authentic experiences and a deeper understanding of their destinations.

The Czech Traveler

Czech tourists are increasingly drawn to the Canary Islands, with a record 165,000 visitors in 2024. Notably, Tenerife captures over half of this market, accounting for 52.6%, followed by Fuerteventura at 20.7%, Gran Canaria at 16%, Lanzarote at 10%, and La Palma at a modest 0.48%. The growing interest from Czech travelers is attributed to favorable economic conditions in their home country, including inflation correction, low unemployment, and a stable currency against the euro. These factors encourage more Czechs to travel abroad, particularly to warm destinations during the winter months.

Characteristics of Czech Tourists

Czech visitors to the Canary Islands are typically younger than the average tourist, with an average age of 39.5 compared to 47.5. They tend to book their holidays with less advance notice—33% do so less than 30 days before departure, compared to a general average of 22%. Their desire to explore the islands is evident, with 44% expressing a greater interest in discovery compared to the average of 22%.

On average, Czech tourists spend 9.1 days in the Canary Islands, with an expenditure of approximately 1,453 euros. Notably, 26% of these travelers visit with children, surpassing the overall average of 17%. Many choose four-star accommodations, and once on the islands, they prefer to explore independently—70% do so compared to 49% of the general tourist population. Hiking is also a popular activity, with 48% participating, significantly higher than the 20% average.

High Satisfaction Rates

Czech tourists rate their experiences in the Canary Islands highly, with an impressive score of 8.95 out of 10, tying with Polish visitors and only trailing behind Irish tourists. A remarkable 61% of Czech travelers report that their experience exceeded their expectations, compared to a general average of 42%. This high level of satisfaction underscores the islands’ appeal and the effectiveness of targeted marketing strategies.

Collaborative Efforts

As part of the workshops, the Ministry of Tourism and Employment and its public company, Turismo de Islas Canarias, are engaging in discussions with representatives from the Czech Ministry of Regional Development, the National Tourist Office, Prague City Tourism, and the Association of Czech Travel Agencies (ACK). These meetings aim to establish common strategies that will further enhance the relationship between the two regions.

Immersive Experiences

The workshops feature immersive experiences designed to showcase the unique attributes of the Canary Islands. Attendees can enjoy audiovisual presentations that project the islands’ beauty onto walls and floors, alongside institutional presentations. Culinary experiences are also a highlight, with wine tastings, Canarian tapas, and traditional zumería that emphasize health, well-being, and the islands’ favorable climate. To foster interaction and brand recall, raffles of various prizes contributed by participating companies are also held.

This collaborative effort between the Canary Islands and the Czech tourism sector not only aims to diversify the market but also to create lasting connections with travelers seeking enriching experiences in one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.