Spain still a top destination for holidaymakers

September 3, 2011 – 9:12 am
Spain remains one of the top destinations for holidaymakers around the
world, as tourist numbers and property enquiries both increased this
summer.
Figures released by the Frontier Tourist Movement reveal that Spain has
received 7.4 per cent more international tourists this year compared to the
same time in 2010, proving that the country’s beaches and culture are still
attracting visitors.
Around 32.3 million international tourists visited Spain between January
and July of this year, with July alone welcoming 7.5 million tourists. Up
to July 2011, Spanish airports received nearly 36.5 million passengers. The
busiest budget airline was Ryanair, which experienced a 25% increase in air
traffic to Spain.

Unsurprisingly, visitors from the UK led the way with 7.4 million
passengers (35.8 per cent), while Germany and Italy followed with 4.2m (20
per cent) and 2.2m (10.7 per cent).

The biggest rise to Spanish shores came from Swedish visitors (40.8 per
cent), who are purchasing an increasing amount of property in Spain. France
and the Netherlands also saw their number of tourists grow. Estate agent
Spanish Hot Properties comments: “Of all the tourists who chose to holiday
in the Costa del Sol, around 72% said they were attracted mainly by the
prospect of sun and sand which will come as no shock considering the
region’s exceptional climate.”

Spain continued to attract foreign interest in August too, Robin Brayne, Commercial Director of the overseas property portal, comments: “Once again, Spain is head and shoulders above the rest of Europe. People remain attracted by the country’s sunny coast and relaxed lifestyle, and further interest has been fuelled by the glut of repossessed & distressed properties being sold on by Spanish banks, offering homes at
superb value.”

Of course the Canary Islands, perticularly Tenerife remain popular for sales and purchase of propertyand holidays. As Spanish tourism soars this summer, the property market is looking increasingly sunny.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Health, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Spain still top for clean beaches

June 9, 2011 – 11:10 am

Spain and Tenerife's blue flag beaches entice tourists

Despite considerable commercial development along its coastline, it appears that Spain has managed to keep its waters amazingly pristine – 511 of its beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag eco label this year, proving the nation is still a prized tourist destination for natural attractions.

For the second year running, the country attained the largest number of the prestigious environmental certifications out of any country in Europe, with 104 of Valencia’s beaches, 66 in Andalucia and 63 of the Balearic Islands’ idyllic coves being awarded.

Local authorities can nominate their own beaches for the Blue Flag certification, but it must adhere to strict environmental standards, which have led to a number of previously awarded beaches being struck off the list in recent years, including some in Britain and Israel. Spain’s continuing vigilance when it comes to the environmental quality of its waterways will ensure it remains the ‘beach capital’ of the Continent this summer, a fact which is sure to please estate agents and property owners looking for a happy high season. 

“It is hard to find a better beach haven than Spain and we are lucky that many of our residential developments reside where Blue Flags fly high”, said Ignacio Osle, sales director at locally-based housebuilder Taylor WImpey de Espana. “Beaches across Spain have been vastly improving year on year and along with the relatively short flight times from anywhere in Europe combined with declining holiday costs, visitors will no doubt continue to flock to Spain to sample its glorious beaches.”

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Health, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Golf in Spain at a reasonable price?

March 16, 2011 – 9:56 am

Cheaper golf in Spain and Tenerife?

Golf has always been perceived as an elitist sport and the properties that surround the fairways often have inflated price tags to match – but not at Camposol Golf. At this established 18-hole course in Murcia, completed key-ready two bedroom homes are available for just 50,000 euros, that’s less than 43,000 pounds. Surely this is Europe’s cheapest golf resort?

Chris Mercer, Director of Murcia-based estate agents, Mercers, which has been on the ground in Camposol for 14 years, comments, “When I tell people that they can buy a two bedroom home with roof terrace for 50,000 euros or a detached villa with swimming pool for 125,000 euros, they are genuinely astonished. These are neither brand new nor off-plan, there is no waiting period or additional list of costly extras from swimming pools to air-conditioning, landscaping to furniture. Instead these properties are in an established golfing community with a vast range of on-site amenities at your disposal. Folk should literally be queuing up.”

Golf course and friendly Clubhouse aside, the Camposol community is divided into four geographical sectors with various commercial centres hosting all kinds of bars, pubs, restaurants and takeaways as well as a full-size household name supermarket and petrol station. There is a health centre, post office, hair and beauty salons and, a real jewel in the Camposol crown, a chic four star Spa Hotel.

Chris continues, “Based on price and what you get for your money alone, Camposol Golf is unbeatable. Even better, the current climate dictates that people are buying at the bottom of the market so not only will they pick up a bargain but also reap the rewards of capital appreciation when the market picks up.

“And ‘pick up’ it will as we are literally ten minutes’ drive from the freshly announced Paramount Pictures-branded Theme Park predicted to attract up to three million tourists each year. This will certainly have a ‘Disney effect’ for property prices in the catchment area. And, for those cautious of Spanish property fearing its legal status, be reassured that Camposol Golf is clean and you will get full title deed as well as banks happy to offer mortgages.”

Surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Sierra Espuña National Park and beautiful underdeveloped Spanish countryside, the coast is just 15 minutes away with mouthwatering seafood restaurants, sheltered Blue Flag sandy beaches, attractive marinas and some stunning rocky coves tumbling into turquoise waters. Alicante International Airport is just over an hour to the north whilst even closer San Javier/Murcia Airport is only 35 minutes away. A third brand new airport at Corvera is in the final throes of construction with an opening date penciled in for summer 2011.

Hopefully, the next project will be in Tenerife as golf is getting expensive on the island and healthy competition would no doubt improve  the pricing situation greatly.

Source: Mercers

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Golfing Greats, Health, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Sports Desk, Tenerife, Things to Do, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Turmoil in Egypt means more tourists in Tenerife

February 4, 2011 – 11:15 am

The troubles in Egypt and Tunisia have lead to an increase in tourism in Tenerife and the Canary Islands

The political turmoil in Egypt and Tunisia has European tour operators scrambling to divert package tours to more stable destinations, and several thousand tourists have already been re-routed to beaches in Spain, particularly Tenerife and the Canary Islands a Spanish tourism industry official told CNN.

“We can’t be happy about unfortunate circumstances elsewhere,” said Rafael Gallego Nadal, president of the Spanish Federation of Travel Agency Associations. “But the increase (in tourists) has arrived at an important moment” as Spain recovers from a deep economic slump.

In addition to the few thousand extra British, German and Scandinavian holidaymakers who’ve already arrived in Spain’s Canary Islands, predictions are there could be tens of thousands of additional vacationers by May, Gallego said.

For now, the seven-island Canaries archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean just west of Morocco, is the only part of Spain that can compete directly with Egypt and Tunisia for the beach vacation business in winter.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Health, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Adventure tourism on the increase

August 19, 2010 – 2:42 pm
adventure tourism in Tenerife, reaches from the beaches to Mount Teide

Adventure tourism in Tenerife, reaches from the beaches to Mount Teide

Adventure tourism, long considered  for the small group of dare devils, is becoming more mainstream, with tourists more likely to rappel down mountains, cycle or volunteer while on vacation.

These adventurers are young, affluent and spent $US89 billion ($US97 billion) last year, excluding the cost of airfare and gear, according to a study by researchers at George Washington University’s School of Business.

“You have a lot of people who want to roll up their sleeves, get involved in a culture and have a more authentic experience than just laying in the sun,” said Dr. Kristin Lamoureux, an author of the study, which was conducted with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, an industry group.

The researchers questioned 850 travellers from North and South America and Europe. Seventy percent of international travel originates in those regions. Countries with the most travellers are the United States, Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain.

Although overall tourism figures were down by 6 per cent in 2009, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the study showed that when people travel, they are more likely to engage in physical activities, providing a new revenue base for tour operators.

Based on their findings and data from the UNWTO, the researchers estimate that 150 million adventure trips will be taken next year.

“There is a perception that the adventure tourism market is a very limited group of people who are seeking high-risk activity, but the reality is that it’s a much broader market than we thought … and they are willing to spend,” Lamoureux said.

The typical adventure traveller was 36 years old, spent between $US450 ($A493) and $US800 per vacation, excluding airfare, and owned a passport, according to the researchers.

The biggest source of news for adventure tourists was their local newspaper and information found through Google and Facebook.

Most adventure travellers did not own cutting edge technology like iPhones, a crucial point, Lamoureux said, in helping tour operators maximize their advertising dollars, especially in times of recession.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Health, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Uncategorized, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Fines in Salou for tourists with bare chests.

July 10, 2010 – 6:36 pm

Appropriate dress required when off the beaches in Spain

Appropriate dress required when off the beaches in Spain

British tourists face fines of nearly £250 for failing to cover up their bikinis or bare chests on the streets of a popular Spanish seaside resort.
The resort of Salou on the Costa Dorada, south of Barcelona, has become the first place in Spain to ban shirtless and bikini-clad tourists in a bid to clean up its reputation, which has been badly damaged after becoming a haven for drunken British students.

In a set of new by-laws passed by the town council those who flout the ban could be fined between €100 (£81) and €300 (£245). Those caught drinking alcohol on the streets or having sex on the beach could also be prosecuted and beachwear will be banned from all but beachfront bars and restaurants.

“We want to ensure that Salou has a good image,” said the mayor, Pere Granados, explaining the move. Earlier this year locals complained about the drunken behaviour of British students who flocked to the resort for the Easter holidays. More than 5,000 British students aged between 18 and 23 crowded into the town 70 miles south of Barcelona to attend “Saloufest” an annual party organised by university sports clubs. Residents complained of “streets running with vomit” after scantily clad students spent their nights binge drinking and indulging in “anti-social behaviour”. Paramedics treated at least a dozen tourists for alcohol induced illnesses and several arrests were made, including one student accused of raping another.
The event caused an “anti-British backlash” that pitted Spanish families taking an Easter break by the sea with businesses reliant on tourism to survive.

The bikini ban signals a growing unease in Spain against those sunburnt northern European tourists who offend the local population by walking in the streets, dining in restaurants and even doing their shopping in little more than beachwear.

“It is not normal to go the market with your packet on show or round the tourist sites in a thong.” said Alberto del Hierro, councillor for Tourism in Salou. “One shouldn’t be allowed to walk the streets or enter public buildings in unseemly apparel. It gives the city a low-class look.”

Earlier this year the regional capital Barcelona stopped short of introducing a similar ban but has embarked on a campaign urging tourists to dress appropriately when away from the beach. Posters showing a stick figure couple in swimming costumes with a red line across it have been plastered at sites across the city ahead of the summer season and hotels, bars and restaurants in the tourist areas have been asked to display the signs. “We want to make people understand that it’s an attitude that we don’t like,” said a spokesman for Barcelona city hall. “It’s not banned or punishable but it’s something we don’t think is polite.”

It might not be too long before a similar stance is taken in Tenerife and the other Canary Isles.

By Angela | Posted in Economy, General, Health, Holiday, Inspirational, Miscellaneous Articles, Property, Tenerife, Things to Do, Uncategorized, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Top tourist destinations visited by less tourists.

August 25, 2009 – 2:07 pm
Less tourists on the beaches in Spain and Tenerife

Less tourists on the beaches in Spain and Tenerife

Europe’s top tourist destinations – France, the world’s most popular tourist destination, with 79.3 million visitors last year, has been hit hard by a drop in the number of foreign travellers.

The number of international visitors to France in the heat of the summer – July and August – has fallen by nearly one-third, after sinking by 15.5 per cent in the first five months of the year, government figures show.

Spain, the third most popular destination last year, has suffered a 10 per cent drop in visits this summer, following an 11.4 per cent fall in the first half of the year, and Italy is forecasting an 8.3 per cent drop in foreign visitors between May and October.

As frugal foreigners stay in their home countries, Europe’s top tourist destinations are looking at their compatriots to compensate.

According to a Gallup poll, 48 per cent of Europeans plan to spend their holidays in their own countries this year, compared with 43 per cent last year.

Britons, the continent’s top travellers after Germans, have reduced their European trips by 10 per cent. As a result, the beaches of Spain, usually crowded with British and German tourists, are emptier than usual.

Spain last year lost its spot as the second most visited country, as the US took its place with 58 million visitors compared with 57.3 million. The Spanish Government is spending €1 billion euros ($1.7 billion) to support the tourism industry.

As in other European countries, tourists are drinking and eating less in Spain’s usually bustling bars and restaurants. Beer consumption is expected to fall by 13.5 per cent this month compared with last year, Spanish brewers say.

Despite this summer of discontent, France should remain the world’s top tourist choice because travel was down in every country at ”about the same rate,” said Christian Mantei, president of the tourism development agency Atout France.

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A Brilliant site for Professional photos of Tenerife and other Island images

February 24, 2009 – 12:44 pm
Tenerife Carnaval winner 2007

Tenerife Carnaval

Just found a lovely site for professional quality photos of Tenerife and La Gomera in the Canary Islands, and Sal and Boa Vista in the Cape Verde Islands.

The site – canaryphotostock – has a gallery of more than 4,000 professional photos/images which can be searched in a variety of ways, including location (e.g. Las Americas, Los Cristianos etc) and type (e.g. beaches, Teide etc) or by simply just browsing.

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Beaches in Tenerife

November 17, 2008 – 12:04 pm
Las Americas beach

Las Americas beach

If you are a  golf widow or widower, you might like to spend some time on one of the beaches in Tenerife while your partner is getting stressed on the course! The island of Tenerife has a wide variety of beaches, from the black, volcanic sand one at El Medano, to lovely white, imported sand such as those in Las Americas and Los Cristianos.

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