Canary Islands Residents Travelling Less – But Spending More When They Do
New figures have revealed a significant shift in the travel habits of Canary Islands residents during the first three months of 2026. While far fewer people chose to travel compared with the same period last year, those who did head away were prepared to spend considerably more on their trips.
According to the latest tourism data, residents of the Canary Islands made around 33% fewer journeys between January and March compared with the first quarter of 2025. The figures suggest that many households are choosing to travel less frequently, possibly due to the rising cost of living and increasing holiday prices.
Despite the sharp drop in the number of trips, the average amount spent per traveller increased noticeably. Instead of taking several shorter breaks, many people appear to be opting for fewer holidays while investing more in each one, resulting in a higher average spend per trip.
The trend wasn’t limited to Canary Islands residents travelling away. The number of Spanish residents visiting the Canary Islands also declined during the first quarter of the year. However, visitors who did choose the islands spent more per person than they did a year ago, helping to soften the impact of lower visitor numbers on the local tourism economy.
What Could This Mean for Lanzarote?
For Lanzarote, these figures highlight an interesting change rather than a simple decline in tourism. Businesses may welcome the fact that visitors are continuing to spend well once they arrive, even if overall visitor numbers fluctuate.
Restaurants, excursion companies, hotels and local attractions may increasingly focus on offering memorable experiences and good value, as travellers appear willing to spend more on quality rather than quantity.
For residents, the statistics reflect the reality many families are facing. Rising travel costs mean holidays are becoming a bigger financial commitment, encouraging people to travel less often while making each trip count.
As the busy summer season continues, it will be interesting to see whether this pattern remains throughout the rest of 2026 or whether improving economic conditions encourage more people to travel again.
