Fuerteventura Shines at London’s WTM: A New Era for Tourism
The World Travel Market (WTM) in London opened its doors today, marking an important gathering for industry stakeholders from around the globe. This inaugural day sets the stage for reimagining the future of tourism, and Fuerteventura is actively participating, showcasing the island’s unique attributes. With a focus on the warmth of its climate, stunning landscapes, tranquil beaches, gastronomic delights, and high-quality accommodation, Fuerteventura aims to capture the attention of a diverse audience.
A Festive Launch for the Canary Islands Pavilion
The Canary Islands pavilion was inaugurated this morning by the Canary Islands’ Tourism Advisor, accompanied by local leaders from the archipelago. Among them was Marlene Figueroa, the Tourism Advisor representing Fuerteventura, alongside mayors and tourism councilors from key tourist municipalities. Notable figures included the Mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, and the Tourism Councilors from Pájara, Tina Da Silva, and Antigua, Cristina Rodewig. This gathering emphasizes the importance of collaboration in showcasing the islands’ diverse tourism offerings.
Setting the Stage for Future Growth
According to Marlene Figueroa, the WTM marks the commencement of the 2025/26 tourism season while also shedding light on trends and projections for 2027. “This is a crucial moment for our island,” she states, emphasizing a strategic shift from focusing on quantity to prioritizing quality. Fuerteventura is centrally positioning itself in line with the Spain 2030 Strategy, aiming to place individuals at the heart of tourism initiatives.
Understanding Diverse Tourist Markets
Figueroa elaborates on how the market is evolving, reflecting a more diverse demographic in terms of age, origin, and preferences. “We need to strike a balance between supply and demand that benefits our local society,” she explains, asserting the importance of aligning tourism offerings with the expectations of visitors. The island is committed to ensuring that tourism development remains beneficial for both visitors and locals alike.
Competing in a Digital Landscape
The tourism landscape is undergoing transformational changes, dictated by increased competition shaped by factors such as connectivity, speed, innovation, and quality. Fuerteventura recognizes the need to adapt to a more digitalized world where consumers are increasingly discerning. They demand more value, flexibility, authenticity, and personalized experiences in every interaction. “Meeting these new expectations is fundamental to maintaining our competitiveness,” Figueroa confidently asserts.
Building Strategic Partnerships
The delegation from Fuerteventura consists of key representatives from the island’s business and hospitality sectors, working diligently to solidify occupancy rates and pricing for the upcoming season. They are diversifying their market outreach through a cooperative strategy with the Tourism Board. Significant meetings scheduled involve executives from companies such as Ítaca Polonia, Thalasso n1 France, Barhead Travel UK, TUI Group, and EasyJet.
Innovations in Pájara
Tina Da Silva, the Tourism Councilor of Pájara, emphasizes the municipality’s commitment to diversifying its tourist base and enhancing quality offerings. Recent developments, like the new golf course and the marina in Morro Jable, aim to attract a more varied and sophisticated clientele. These initiatives align with Pájara’s status as one of Spain’s foremost tourist destinations.
La Oliva: Elevating Quality Offerings
Mayor Isaí Blanco highlights that the northern municipality has been incrementally enhancing its tourism offerings and plans to continue this trend. The goal is to solidify La Oliva as one of the most sought-after tourist locales for British and Central European travelers, catering to their increasingly diverse preferences.
Fostering Family Tourism in Antigua
Christina Rodewig, the Tourism Councilor of Antigua, identifies family tourism, particularly among British travelers, as pivotal for her municipality. She envisions expanding quality offerings in London that focus on family-friendly activities, along with options connected to blue tourism, golf, and gastronomy. This targeted approach aims to cater to the specific interests of families, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
By leveraging their collective strengths and fostering innovative strategies, Fuerteventura and its associated municipalities are embarking on an exciting journey that promises to reshape the landscape of tourism on the island. The insights and connections gained at WTM London will undoubtedly play a vital role in this mission.
