The Canary Islands ended the year with 18.4 million tourists and a record-breaking €23.186 billion in spending, driven by the destination’s profitability.
According to data from the Tourism Situation Report for the fourth quarter of the previous financial year—prepared by Corporación 5, Análisis y Estrategias for EXCELCAN and the Gran Canaria Chamber of Commerce—the Canary Islands concluded 2025 with a robust tourism balance oriented towards quality and profitability. The archipelago welcomed 18,386,274 tourists, a 3.48% increase on the previous year, while total tourism spending reached €23.185 billion, up by 3.91%, according to figures from the Canary Islands Statistics Institute (ISTAC).
Sector growth is increasingly supported by higher spend per visitor and improved prices and business margins, rather than simply a rise in arrivals. This consolidates a shift in the model towards higher value-added segments.
Higher Revenue with Less Pressure on Capacity
During 2025, 99 million overnight stays were recorded (a 1.22% decrease), and the average length of stay dropped slightly to 6.94 days. This reflects a demand that is more contained in duration but possesses a higher spending capacity. RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) grew by 6.52% to €104.53, highlighting a clear improvement in hotel profitability.
In the fourth quarter, tourism spending again showed strength, reaching €6.444 billion (+4.35%), despite arrivals increasing by only 0.31%.
Foreign Tourism Sustains Growth
International visitors accounted for 89% of the total, with 16.3 million foreign tourists remaining the primary economic engine of the destination. Source markets are prioritising higher-category accommodation and premium services, which explains the dynamic spending, particularly in:
Accommodation (44% of the total)
Catering and Restaurants
Local Transport
Leisure
Tourism Employment at Historic Highs
Tourism maintains its role as a strategic sector of the Canarian labour market. In 2025, the number of workers registered in tourism-related social security reached 232,338, a 3.40% increase, representing one in four jobs in the archipelago (24.54%). Furthermore, in the final quarter, employment continued to grow, reaching 237,647 workers.
Performance by Island
The performance varied across the territories:
Fuerteventura: +8.68% tourists
Gran Canaria: +3.01%
Tenerife: +2.41%
Lanzarote: +1.68%
La Palma: +19% (the largest increase of the year)
The capital islands account for more than 60% of total spending, with Tenerife leading the way at €9.134 billion.
Outlook: Stability and Model Transformation
Looking ahead to 2026, the sector anticipates a phase of stabilising growth, marked by a moderation in European demand and competition from other Mediterranean destinations.
A More Profitable and Sustainable Model
The 2025 data confirms the Canary Islands’ transition towards a tourism model that is less volume-intensive and more value-competitive, featuring a greater economic impact per visitor, better business results, and more stable employment.
The archipelago thus consolidates its position as a safe, profitable international destination committed to sustainability, prepared to face the challenges of 2026 from a more solid and balanced foundation.