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Lanzarote Guidebook Winter Edition Out Now

December 11, 2009 – 5:59 pm

The ongoing effects of the credit crunch may have had a dampening effect on holiday destinations around Europe. But despite this, Lanzarote will still have welcomed 1.3 million tourists to enjoy its unique attractions by the end of 2009, with many more thousands of visitors expected over the coming months.

As one of the only corners of Europe that can offer genuine winter sun, the island remains a popular choice for anyone suffering the blues. And with only a four-hour flight time from most UK cities it is easy to get here too.

For visitors who are new to Lanzarote, the island has its own Guidebook, which is available free of charge. And is packed with 96 pages of beautiful images and useful information.

The latest edition of Lanzarote Guidebook, covering Winter 09/10, is already available as a fast and free download from the Lanzarote Guidebook website.

Its quarterly publication means that information is kept up to date by the compilers, who are long term island residents. With plenty of inside information, such as tips on the best places to go and things to do. Unlike more formal guidebooks which quickly become out of date once they are in print.

The comprehensive nature of Lanzarote Guidebook means that it contains information on all the island’s towns and villages, along with maps and details of the many attractions. Specific guides to each resort are also included, with recommendations for restaurants, activities and accommodation as well. And covering the unusual history and culture of Lanzarote, there is interesting editorial detailing the life and works of the famous island born artist, César Manrique.

There is also a section dedicated to essential information, with details of duty free allowances, handy advice on street etiquette and emergency telephone numbers. Ensuring that visitors have all the answers at their fingertips, throughout their stay.

The print version is widely available across the island and comes in an extremely portable A6 format. With copies distributed in private villas, hire cars and the main tourist information offices of the island’s resorts.

And for visitors who want more in-depth information, the Lanzarote Guidebook website is constantly updated with news, what’s on guides and full length articles. It’s also the place to get live weather reports or use the interactive maps that cover the whole island.

With more than 300 holiday properties listed on the website, its definitely the place to head for anyone thinking of organising their own holiday in Lanzarote. As accommodation, flights and car hire can all be arranged at the same time online.   The site is also an excellent source of information for anyone planning to purchase a Lanzarote property - as it provides in depth information about the buying process on the island.

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Bluer Skies Ahead For Lanzarote Tourism?

November 26, 2009 – 1:06 pm

Two recent announcements from the airport authority AENA suggest that there may at last be brighter skies ahead for Lanzarote´s beleaguered tourist industry.  Which so far this year has witnessed a fall in visitor number of over 226,291 arrivals.  As the rate of decline appears to be slowing.  Whilst visitor numbers from Germany – Lanzarote´s second largest market – actually rose during October.  The first positive growth recorded in any major market so far this year.

In keeping with the rest of Spain Lanzarote has obviously been hit hard by the economic crisis.  Not least as the island is so heavily dependant on tourism - and British tourism at that.  A reliance which has been very much exposed this year as the weakness of the pound against the euro has seen UK visitor numbers fall by nearly 20%.  Some way ahead of the 16.8% average for all other key national markets.

Throughout the course of this year arrivals to the island have been falling by double digit numbers – with occupancy levels in Lanzarote apartments, villas and hotels also suffering as a result.

Now however the latest AENA figures suggest that the rate of decline may at last be slowing.  As last month the total number of foreign visitors fell by “only” 8.17%.  A marked improvement on previous months figures – which were averaging out at declines of around 16%.

Best of all – and for the first time this year – the AENA statistics reveal that one of Lanzarote´s most important markets, Germany, has shown sign of positive growth.  With the number of tourists arriving on flights to Lanzarote from that country increasing from 19,912 passengers in October 2009 to 20,418 last month. 

This brighter news has also been followed by AENA´s recent announcement that they intend to continue to waive all airport taxes and charges for the duration of 2010.

Initially, this initiative was for the short term and was only set to last until the end of March 2010.  As the airport authority and Spanish government sought ways to revive Spain’s flagging tourist sector.  But now this has been extended – a move which should hopefully maintain increased competition on flight routes to Lanzarote and the rest of the Canaries.

AENA´s initial announcement attracted the attention of Ryanair – who launched 16 new services to the island last month.  Whilst other low cost flight operators such as easyJet and Jet2 have also increased their services to the island over recent months as a result.

At the time of writing there is no indication as to Rynair´s future plans.  However the airline did state that the extension of services beyond the end of March 2010 was entirely dependent on the extension of the waiver by AENA.

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Tourist Arrivals Down 16.2% In September

October 21, 2009 – 12:20 pm

The number of foreign holidaymakers arriving on flights to Lanzarote fell again last month.  According to the latest figures just released by the Spanish airport authority AENA.  Which will make grim reading for both local and overseas owners of property on the island.  As transactions continue to stagnate and prices soften.

The new AENA figures show a shortfall of 16.2% in foreign tourist arrivals during September – versus the same month in 2008.  A number much in line with previous months falls.  With the British market once again the hardest hit – thanks to the added impact of the seemingly ongoing depreciation of sterling against the euro.  Now back as low as just €1.06 to the pound.

The UK is by some distance Lanzarote´s largest and most important tourist market.  So the cumulative fall in British visitor numbers of nearly 20% is having a major impact across the islands economy.  With hotels reporting falling occupancy levels, bars and restaurants struggling and the property market seemingly becalmed.  Whilst owners of Lanzarote holiday villas and apartments are forced to come to terms with falling bookings and rental returns.

The picture isn’t much better elsewhere – as visitor numbers from all other key markets continue to fall too.  With German tourism (Lanzarote´s second largest source of visitors) down by 12.2% and Irish arrivals (the islands third largest market) falling by 16.85% for the year to September end.

Overall Lanzarote has now welcomed over 215,000 fewer tourists than during the same nine month period in 2008.  And with local tourist authorities calculating that each visitor spends an average of €36 per day this equates to a massive €54 million plus hole in the islands’ economy.

Virtually every sector is affected by this.  With ASOLAN, the local hoteliers trade body reporting ongoing declines in occupancy levels.  Down by nearly 7% again in September.  Whilst property transactions have also ground to a halt, despite falling prices.  Thanks in part to the added issue of local banks refusing to extend mortgage lending to most prospective overseas buyers.

Whilst many seem to believe that the UK economy has nearly weathered the storm 2010 could come as something of a shock.  As unemployment is set to rise whilst disposable incomes look likely to be squeezed further by rising taxes.  As the government desperately strives to lower Britain’s astronomical public borrowing.  All of which points to another difficult year for Lanzarote´s tourist and property markets.  As the days of multiple annual foreign holidays in Lanzarote and second homes abroad may well be truly behind us.

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Winter Villa Breaks In Lanzarote

October 15, 2009 – 10:27 am

Prospects for the winter season are looking up on Lanzarote.  Thanks to growing competition between leading low cost carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet.  With both now promoting cheap flights to Lanzarote and a hugely increased number of services to the island.  Holding out the promise of extra bums on seats and a rise in visitor numbers.

During the winter months the two main resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are the best bet for visitors.  As they enjoy a more southerly location on the island and a better microclimate than Costa Teguise to the north.  As well as a better selection of Lanzarote holiday villas for visitors to choose from.

During the winter the island enjoys temperatures that hover around the 20 degree Celsius mark.  Making it plenty warm enough to enjoy days on the beach or by ht e pool.  The sun sets much later than in Northern Europe – usually at around 18.00.  But then the temperature can drop quickly – much like a desert climate.  Which is little surprise when you consider that the fringes of the Sahara are only 100 miles or so away.

Puerto del Carmen has enjoyed a real facelift over the last year and work on the part pedestriansiation of the main Avenida de las Playas (or the strip as it is known locally) should shortly be coming to end. The project has done much to improve the main seafront promenade – making it a more pleasant place to enjoy a stroll by the beach.  Although many local businesses have complained that they have seen their taking plummet during the course of the works.

The best holiday villas in Puerto del Carmen tend to be located in and around the Old Town.  In areas such as Risco Prieto and Los Mojones.  With the latter located around a ten minute walk from the bars and restaurants of the harbour area.  A new golf course has also opened recently on the outskirts of the resort so further improving the tourist offering.

Playa Blanca continues to grow in popularity in the south of the island and tends to offer the best weather as well as some great beaches – most notably Papagayo which is located around fifteen minutes from the centre of the resort.

There’s a huge selection of holiday villas in Playa Blanca available for rent – with prices starting from around €500 per week.  Areas such as Montaña Roja and Rubicon Marina re especially popular with winter sun seekers.
 

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Autumn Lanzarote Guidebook Out Now

September 15, 2009 – 12:44 pm

The autumn edition of the indispensable island guide – Lanzarote Guidebook – is out now.  Available entirely free of charge as a fast download via the Lanzarote Guidebook website.  Whilst 10,000 copies will be distributed to tourists here on the island via a network of car hire companies, hotels, apartments and villas in Lanzarote.

Lanzarote Guidebook was first created two years ago by long term residents in order to encourage visitors to get out and explore the many attractions that the island has to offer.  Such as the raw natural beauty of the Timanfaya National Park, the surreal scenery of the Green Lagoon and the incredible man made constructions of the local artist César Manrique.  Who also fought for the controlled development of tourism on Lanzarote.

The new Autumn edition of Lanzarote Guidebook is illustrated with some great photos of the island and contains all the information that any visitor could need to know.  Encompassing guides to all of the resorts, towns and places  - along with maps and tips about what to see and where to eat.  Plus in depth information about all of Lanzarote´s myriad sightseeing attractions – including contact telephone numbers and opening times.

Unlike conventional guides Lanzarote Guidebook is published every quarter. So the information it contains is always accurate and up to date.  Whilst the fact that it is written by real residents means that visitors get the inside track.

Find out what’s happening on the island across the autumn months.  With information about some great upcoming events such as the Costa Musica Festival and the Bienal Off arts programme in October in the Agenda section.  Explore the island´s best beaches.  Find information about all of the museums on the island.  Read up on excursions and days out.  Lanzarote Guidebook has it all.

Plus a handy Essentials section which covers off all of the holiday basics – such as hiring a car, changing money and what to do in the event of an emergency.

The new information packed 96 page autumn edition can be downloaded fast and for free at the Lanzarote Guidebook website.  Where visitors can also catch-up on all of the latest island news and events.  As well as accessing interactive island maps and a free tourist advice line.  In addition visitors to the site can also book holidays, hotels, villas and apartments in Lanzarote direct online. 

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Lanzarote Tourist Arrivals Down 18% In July

August 12, 2009 – 4:00 pm

Mixed news for Lanzarote´s tourist industry in July.  In the form of encouraging occupancy figures for Lanzarote hotels and apartment complexes.  Tempered by an ongoing decline in total foreign visitor numbers of just over 18%.  According to the latest figures recently released by ASOLAN and AENA respectively.

After a truly disastrous May – when the number of beds filled in the islands hotels fell to an all time low of 49.1% - July’s occupancy figures of 70.93% could be viewed as massive improvement. 

But not so much so when seen from a year on year perspective.  As the July figures are still down by 9% versus the same month in 2008, whilst cumulatively the number of tourist beds filled for the year to date trails last year’s figures by 11.08%.

Of all of Lanzarote’s resorts Puerto del Carmen appears to be bearing the main brunt of the credit crunch.  With total occupancy levels in the resort falling to 67.19% last month from 80.75% in July 2008.  By comparison, the number of beds filled in Playa Blanca fell by 8.86% for the same period.  Whilst Costa Teguise, surpisingly, showed little change on last year – with an overall occupancy figure just minus 0.76%.

Apartments in Puerto del Carmen have been the worst affected accommodation type – down by 15.47%.  Followed closely by apart-hotels in Playa Blanca – down by 15.02% and four star hotels in Puerto del Carmen, which welcomed 14.49% fewer guests last month.

Overall tourist numbers continue to decline too.  With the latest AENA figures showing a shortfall of just over 18% last month versus 2008 figures.  As the island welcomed 114,397 fewer arrivals.  Down from 139,625 in July 2008.
The British market remains the hardest hit.  Reflecting the vulnerability of the UK as consumers come to terms with not only the credit crunch but also the deprecation of sterling against the euro.  With UK arrivals falling by over 20% from 77,746 visitors in July 2008 to 60,351 last month.

The islands’ other key markets, Germany and Eire, continue to show shortfalls too.  With visitors numbers from the Republic down by 17.3% and from Germany by 7.68% (albeit a less steep decline than in previous months). Cumulatively, for the year to date, British tourism is now down by 20.39%, whilst the Irish and German markets have declined by 16.78% and 12.61% respectively

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Lanzarote Boosted By New Ryanair Flights

July 31, 2009 – 5:10 pm

Lanzarote´s tourist industry has been boosted by the recent annoucement from Ryanair that they will be operating 15 new services to the island from October onwards.  As the carrier takes advantage of tax concessions created by the Spanish airport authority AENA, who will be waiving airport landing fees and charges until the end of March 2010.

Ryanair has recently come under fire for cutting back their Stanstead operations by 30%. Blaming high tax levies.  But their commitment to Lanzarote and the rest of the Canary Islands could also be short lived.  As it appears dependent upon a continuation of the tax break beyond March end.

Either way in the meantime at least this may help to generate much needed additional arrivals.  As Lanzarote struggles with an 18% half year drop in tourist numbers.  With the low cost flight specialists offering some discounted deals to mark the beginning of the service in the autumn.

The new Ryanair flights to Lanzarote will be available from Birmingham, Bristol, Bournemouth, Luton, East Midlands, Liverpool and Prestwick airports.  And comes hard on the heels of other recent announcements that also spell positive news for anyone dependent on island tourism, such as the many overseas owners of villas in Lanzarote.

easyJet recently announced a new service from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Commencing November and with headline price starting from as little as £29.99 one way.  Utilising Airbus A230 planes that can carry a maximum capacity of 174 passengers.

According to Carly Brear, easyJet´s UK Commercial Manager: “This route comes as a direct commitment of ours to continue to enhance our destinations at Liverpool to meet customer demand. I have every faith these two routes will be extremely popular with our loyal North West customer base. I look forward to continuing to build on our strong relationship with both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote to boost tourism to these islands.”

Elsewhere, Ryanair´s keen rival Aer Lingus also recently announced new services to Lanzarote from their base at Gatwick in south east England.  Starting from October 10th with tickets on sale from £49.99 one way.

Last but not least TUI, owners of Thomsons and First Choice will also be scheduling a new service for the summer season of 2010 to the island from Robin Hood Sheffield/Doncaster airport.

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Tourist Numbers Fall Again in June

July 14, 2009 – 5:08 pm

Tourist arrivals continue to fall on Lanzarote. According to the latest data just released by the Spanish Airport operators AENA.  Which reveals that the number of holidaymakers visiting the island fell again last month.  Down by 24.45% versus June 2008.  With the British market once again at the forefront of the negative curve.

The latest AENA figures show that just over 30,000 fewer foreign tourists visited the island last month.  Down from 123,993 visitors in June 2008 to 93,676 guests.  Whilst overall, the island has suffered an 18% plus decline in foreign tourist arrivals for the year to date.

The British market – Lanzarote´s largest – is the worst affected.  Thanks to the fact that the depreciation of sterling against the euro, allied with the impact of the credit crunch, is discouraging consumer spending on holidays in Lanzarote and the wider euro zone.  As people opt instead for a stay-cation at home or a break elsewhere.

Last month, British tourist numbers fell by nearly 27%.  Whilst for the year to date they have now fallen by 20.1%.

But it’s not just the British market which is suffering.  As negative figures have been reported by AENA across all other markets.  Germany, Lanzarote´s second largest source of tourists, sent 16% fewer visitors last month.  Whilst for the year to date visitor number have now fallen by 13.24%.  Whilst Eire – the island´s third largest source of tourist arrivals has fared little better.  With arrivals for June down by over 24% and for the year to date by 16.65%.

All of which makes fairly grim reading for all sectors of the island economy.  As Lanzarote is heavily dependent on tourism.

The accommodation sector is already suffering – as the owners of Lanzarote villas and apartments watch their occupancy levels plummet.  Whilst hoteliers group ASOLAN last month reported a record drop in occupancy levels in hotels in Lanzarote as the number of beds filled plummeted to just 49.1% in May.  The lowest figure ever recorded in over forty years of island tourism.

The island leading tourist attractions – such as the Jameos del Agua and the Green Caves - are also recording sharp falls in the number of admissions

Overall the island has now lost 148,604 tourists versus the same six month period in 2008. All of which adds up to a multi million euro hole in the finances of local businesses.  As each visitor is reported to spend an average of €36 per day – and stays for an average of seven days.

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Summer Edition of Lanzarote Guidebook Out Now

June 25, 2009 – 10:23 am

Planning a holiday to Lanzarote this summer?  Or just interested in finding out more about this small speck of Spain?  Then get your hands on the latest edition of Lanzarote Guidebook – the in-depth Lanzarote tourist information guide.

Lanzarote Guidebook has been created by long term island residents in order to provide visitors with accurate information, along with plenty of inside tips.  Enabling them to make the most of their holidays in Lanzarote.  The Guidebook is also published quarterly.  So unlike conventional guidebooks – which are often obsolete by the time they hit the shelves – it means that the contents are always up to date.

10,000 copies of Lanzarote Guidebook are distributed direct to tourists entirely free of charge via car hire companies, private villas, hotels and tourist information offices in the three main resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.  As well as at the airport and the former island capital of Teguise.  And is published in a handy and portable A6 format – making it easy to carry around when exploring Lanzarote´s many attractions.

The summer edition contains information about upcoming events on the island.  Such as the Jazz Canarias Festival in July and the fiesta de Neustria Senora del Carmen in August.  Along with an introduction to the work of Cesar Manrique, a guide to the island´s best beaches, resort guides and maps, information about the best excursions on the island and much more besides.

Along with a handy Essentials section – which covers off all of the holiday nitty gritty, from duty free allowances to what to do in the event of a medical emergency.

You don’t even have to visit Lanzarote to get your hands on a copy of the Guidebook though.  As it can be download fast and for free from the Lanzarote Guidebook website.  Where visitors will also find loads of news and feature information about the island.  Including interactive maps and daily news updates. 

Visitors to the site can also browse one of the best selections of accommodation in Lanzarote online.  Encompassing hundreds of villas and apartments.  As well as hotels and rural holiday rentals.  Plus links to the leading low cost flight operators.  So anyone can build their own holiday to Lanzarote direct.

Lanzarote Guidebook is illustrated with some great quality pictures taken by local photographer James Mitchell and is an indispensable part of any visitor’s holiday here on the Island of Fire.  Download your free copy today.

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Dia de Canarias On Lanzarote

May 27, 2009 – 3:03 pm

Lanzarote will be celebrating Dia de Canarias in style this coming weekend. As all of the islands in the archipelago mark the date that the Canaries first gained autonomy from the Spanish mainland.

The date, May 30th, actually marks the first session of the independent Canarian government in 1983.  As the islands joined another 16 regions in Spain to enjoy autonomous status.  A structure created by Spain’s politicians in order to subdue secessionist sentiment in regions such as Catalonia, whilst also providing a buffer against the return of dictatorship.  As the country had only just emerged from many years of rule under General Franco.  The theory being that a decentralised system makes it much harder for any one individual to seize power.

Either way the date has now become a much broader celebration of Canarian culture.  And is marked on all of the islands with a whole raft of officially organised events.

In Puerto del Carmen the main action will be taking place along the Avenida de las Playas.  Where the tourist information office will also be celebrating the opening of a new extension to their current quarters.  Celebrations here will feature samples of traditional Canarian cuisine, such as sancocho, Canarian folk dancing and singing and the raising of the Canarian flag – a white, yellow and light blue tricolour – at 20.00.

Eleswhere on the island major events are planned in the resort of Costa Teguise.  Which will all be taking place in and around the Pueblo Marinero and the beach at Playa Jablillo – which is located right in front of the Teguise Playa Hotel.
 
Stalls and demonstrations will be staged in the Pueblo Marinero from 11.00 through until 19.00.  Including wine samplings courtesy of Bodega Stratus and gofio tastings.  Demonstrations of the Canarian martial art of Juego del Palo – or Canarian stick fighting – and lucha canaria – Canarian wrestling are also planned.

Here´s a full programme of events below:

09.00 – 11.00 Swimming Competition – Playa del Jablillo

11.00 – 13.00 Traditional Boat Race – Playa del Jablillo

11.00 – 11.30 Stick Fighting – Pueblo Marinero

11.30 – 12.00 Canarian Lucha or Freestyle Wrestling – Pueblo Marinero

12.00 – 12.20 Canarian Folk Dancing – Pueblo Marinero

12.30 Gofio Tasting – Pueblo Marinero

13.30 – 14.00 Canarian Folk Music – Pueblo Marinero

14.30 Wrinkly Potato Tasting with mojos – Pueblo Marinero

16.00 – 17.15 Canarian Music -  Pueblo Marinero

16.00 – 20.00 Canarian Boules Competition – Los Zocos Apartments

18.00 – 18.30 Canarian Folk Music – Pueblo Marinero
 

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