British Tourists Advised of Travel Warning for 2024 Summer Holidays in Lanzarote

Lanzarote, a famous Canary Island for British tourists, has seen a surge in hotel prices and a warning from local officials to avoid visiting.

According to new figures, the average hotel room cost in Lanzarote has increased by 15.5% from £94 per night in 2022 to £109 in 2023⁴. This is a significant rise compared to the average of £52 in 2013.

Representatives from major travel companies like TUI, Jet2, and Ryanair have urged hospitality industry bosses in Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura to consider the economic challenges faced by tourists from the UK and Germany, which are the two most significant markets for tourism on these islands. The call for ‘restraint’ comes after a recent price hike in the region.

However, employers defended the costs, saying it was all a part of supply and demand. They argued that the Canary Islands offer a unique climate, landscape and culture that attract millions of visitors annually.

British holidaymakers planning to travel to Lanzarote are currently facing some challenges. Besides high hotel prices, they must also navigate travel restrictions and health risks due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all but essential travel to Spain, which includes the Canary Islands, due to the current high risk of COVID-19.

Travellers who enter Spain from the UK must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival and may be subject to additional health checks on arrival⁵. They must also complete and sign an online Health Control Form 48 hours before travel.

The FCDO also warns that travellers may be required to self-isolate or undergo testing if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if they show symptoms of the virus⁵.

The Canary Islands have a lower infection rate than mainland Spain. Still, they are not exempt from the national curfew and other restrictions on social gatherings, hospitality venues, and public spaces.

Therefore, British tourists planning to visit Lanzarote for their summer holidays this year should be aware of the potential costs, risks and limitations they may encounter and follow the latest travel advice from the FCDO and the local authorities.