Declining Hotel Occupancy Rates for Christmas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is facing a significant downturn in hotel and apartment bookings for the upcoming Christmas season, which spans from December 22 to January 7. Current occupancy rates have dropped to 82.37%, representing a decline of four percentage points compared to the same period last year. This decrease raises concerns about the local tourism sector’s performance during what is typically a bustling holiday season.

This information comes from a report released by the provincial hospitality association Ashotel, which highlights the challenges the industry is currently facing. Interestingly, despite the drop in occupancy rates, the sector has reported a 2% increase in employment, with a total of 34,355 individuals registered as of late November, according to statistics from Social Security. This paradox of declining bookings alongside rising employment suggests that while fewer tourists may be visiting, the industry is still managing to maintain or even grow its workforce.

Comparative Analysis of Occupancy Rates Across the Canary Islands

When examining the occupancy rates across the various islands in the Canary archipelago, La Palma stands out with the highest reservation rate at 88.7%. This figure marks a remarkable increase of 27 points from the previous year, indicating a strong recovery or growth in that region’s tourism appeal. In contrast, Tenerife, while still performing relatively well, has experienced a slight decrease in reservations, now sitting at 82.7%. This decline may reflect broader trends affecting the island’s tourism sector.

On the other hand, La Gomera has encountered the most significant decline, with a 15-point drop bringing its occupancy rate down to 67.5%. This downturn raises questions about the factors contributing to the reduced interest in La Gomera as a holiday destination. Meanwhile, El Hierro is reporting Christmas bookings at 57.6%, although there are no comparative figures available from the previous year, making it difficult to assess the trend accurately.

Ashotel’s findings were based on an internal survey conducted between December 1 and December 15, which included responses from 255 member establishments, achieving a response rate of 54.9%. This survey provides valuable insights into the current state of the hospitality industry in the region, reflecting the sentiments and expectations of local businesses as they prepare for the holiday season.

Insights into Reservation Trends During the Festive Period

Delving deeper into the reservation patterns during the holiday season, the week from December 29 to January 4 is projected to have the highest occupancy rates at a provincial level, averaging 85.2%. This peak period typically coincides with the New Year celebrations, which often attract a larger influx of tourists. Conversely, the week leading up to this peak shows a slightly lower occupancy rate of 83.3%, indicating a gradual buildup of visitors as the holiday approaches.

However, the Three Kings period, which spans from January 5 to January 7, is anticipated to experience a lower reservation rate of 73.7%. This decline may reflect a shift in travel patterns, as many families may choose to return home after the New Year celebrations, leading to a drop in bookings during this time. Understanding these trends is crucial for local businesses as they strategize their offerings and marketing efforts to attract visitors during the holiday season.

Key points

• Hotel and apartment reservations in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are at 82.37% for Christmas, down from last year.
• Ashotel reports a 2% increase in employment in the hospitality sector.
• La Palma has the highest reservation rate at 88.7%, a 27-point increase from last year.
• Tenerife’s reservations have decreased by four points to 82.7%.
• La Gomera has seen a 15-point decline, now at 67.5%.
• El Hierro’s Christmas bookings stand at 57.6% with no previous year data for comparison.
• The highest occupancy is expected during the week of December 29 to January 4, averaging 85.2%.