Tenerife Reinforces Its Dominance in the British Market with 2.7 Million Air Seats for 2026
Tenerife has reaffirmed its position as the leading destination in the Canary Islands for British travellers at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, which commenced today. The island is set to welcome 2,717,431 air seats from the UK in 2026, nearly matching last year’s figures.
During the fair, representatives from Tenerife will meet with leading tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, and accredited media. Their goals include enhancing direct flight connectivity from the UK, attracting wealthier tourists interested in adventure and lifestyle experiences, and promoting responsible travel that respects the local environment and communities.
The island plans to showcase its diverse tourism offerings, focusing on local cuisine and primary sector products, which connect visitors with Tenerife’s culture, identity, and traditions. This approach aims to support local producers and enhance the destination’s overall appeal.
Lope Afonso, Vice President and Tourism Councillor of the Tenerife Cabildo, emphasised the strategic importance of the British market for the island. He noted its significant contribution to the economy and expressed a commitment to attracting high-spending visitors who appreciate the island’s diversity and quality experiences.
Dimple Melwani, CEO of Tenerife Tourism, highlighted the WTM as a crucial opportunity to strengthen ties with the UK market while diversifying their offerings. She expressed a desire to engage with travellers seeking authentic experiences related to nature, adventure, food, and local culture, all while advocating for responsible tourism.
Air Capacity Updates
For the summer of 2026, regular flight capacity is up by 0.2%, with 1,544,574 seats compared to the previous summer. EasyJet has increased its capacity to Tenerife by 1%, controlling 26% of the market. British Airways has boosted its offering by 10.3%, while BA Euroflyer has increased theirs by 5.5%. Looking ahead to the winter of 2026/2027, the regular capacity from the UK is 1,179,403 seats, marking a 1.6% rise from the previous winter.
Melwani leads the island’s delegation at the WTM, joined by tourism professionals and representatives from key tourist municipalities, including Puerto de la Cruz, Adeje, Arona, and Santiago del Teide.
Economic Contribution from British Tourism
In 2025, the revenue generated by British tourists in Tenerife amounted to €3,708.7 million, a 3.6% increase from 2024. In the first half of 2026, this figure reached €1,727 million, up 1% from the same period in 2025.
Visitor satisfaction remained high, with British tourists rating their experience at 8.77 out of 10, the highest among all markets. The average age of British visitors was 50.9 years, with annual household income at €63,037—up 2.6% year-on-year. They stayed an average of 8.4 days, spending €1,497.97 per person, a 2.8% increase, and €195.5 daily, 1.6% higher than before.
