Canary Islands Rural Tourism Sees Record Occupancy for New Year’s Eve

The rural tourism sector in the Canary Islands is witnessing an extraordinary boom, with occupancy rates soaring to an impressive 85% for New Year’s Eve 2025. This remarkable figure not only highlights the islands’ allure during the festive season but also significantly exceeds the national average of approximately 70%. The data indicates a strong performance for the region, with many accommodations already fully booked for Christmas Eve, suggesting a robust overall year for rural tourism in the archipelago.

Booking Patterns and Regional Highlights

Insights from the booking platform Escapadarural.com reveal that a substantial 70% of rural accommodations listed on their site are projected to be fully booked during the holiday season. The regions showcasing the highest occupancy rates include:

• Murcia: 86%
• Catalonia: 85%
• Canary Islands: 85%
• Valencian Community: 79%
• Navarre: 79%
• Madrid: 78%

As the Christmas festivities draw near, it is anticipated that around 50% of accommodations will reach full capacity, although these figures may not match the high occupancy levels expected on New Year’s Eve. The regions experiencing the highest demand during this period include Castilla y León, Catalonia, Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Aragon. Popular destinations within these regions are Asturias, Girona, Barcelona, Navarre, and Ávila, all of which are expected to attract significant tourist traffic.

Provincial Leaders in Occupancy Rates

When examining occupancy rates on a provincial level, both Barcelona and Santa Cruz de Tenerife emerge as leaders, boasting an impressive occupancy rate of 88%. Other provinces that have demonstrated notable performance include:

• Huelva: 86%
• Murcia: 86%
• Lleida: 85%
• Alicante: 83%

As the holiday season progresses, the demand for rural accommodations is expected to remain high, particularly as travelers seek unique and tranquil experiences away from urban centers. With the festive spirit in the air, many families and groups are opting for rural getaways that offer both relaxation and a chance to connect with nature.

Insights into 2025 Performance

The Spanish Association of Rural Tourism (Asetur) has reported a national average occupancy rate of 72%, reflecting a 5% increase for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day compared to previous years. The Canary Islands and other archipelagos are projected to exceed this national average, potentially reaching occupancy rates as high as 95%. Asetur’s president, Pedro Carreño, noted that these figures may continue to rise, especially as last-minute bookings are a common trend during the holiday season.

Throughout 2025, the average occupancy rate in the rural tourism sector has stabilized around 60%, a trend that industry leaders find encouraging. Meanwhile, the Association of Rural Tourism Professionals (Autural) has reported a higher average occupancy of approximately 90% for the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, it is important to note that occupancy rates tend to dip to around 60% during the more family-oriented Christmas celebrations, as many families prefer to stay in their own homes during this time.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Looking forward to 2026, the Survey on Non-Hotel Tourist Accommodations indicates that rural tourism occupancy rates have improved by nearly 3% compared to the previous year. Additionally, occupancy per available space has increased by 7%, and prices have risen by over 6%. Despite these positive trends, the sector faces ongoing challenges. Property owners are advocating for a reorganization and a renewed commitment to rural development, emphasizing the necessity for government support to modernize this vital sector of the rural economy. Currently, there are 16,700 recognized establishments providing 167,000 beds and employing over 27,000 individuals, underscoring the importance of rural tourism to local economies.

As the demand for rural tourism continues to grow, stakeholders are hopeful that with the right support and investment, the sector can thrive and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique experiences offered by rural accommodations makes them an increasingly attractive option for travelers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Key points

• The Canary Islands report an 85% occupancy rate for rural tourism on New Year’s Eve.
• The national average for rural tourism occupancy is around 70%.
• Booking platform Escapadarural.com indicates 70% of rural accommodations will be fully booked.
• Barcelona and Santa Cruz de Tenerife lead provinces with 88% occupancy rates.
• The Spanish Association of Rural Tourism (Asetur) reports a national average occupancy of 72% for the holiday period.
• Occupancy rates are expected to rise as last-minute bookings become more common.
• Property owners are calling for government support to modernize the rural tourism sector.