Lanzarote News
Lanzarote and La Graciosa's Gastronomy Shines at Madrid Fusión 2025
Pete Clark
Saturday 30th Jan 2025
At Madrid Fusión 2025, the culinary offerings of Lanzarote and La Graciosa were showcased, emphasizing creativity, tradition, and volcanic products.
The Saborea Lanzarote stand featured workshops and tastings, including "La cocina del ingenio" with renowned chefs, and a show cooking session by Rubén Cuesta, Lanzarote's first Michelin-starred chef.
Seven local wineries also presented their unique wines, celebrating the 250th anniversary of El Grifo winery. The event was deemed a success, highlighting the islands' gastronomic heritage.
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Lanzarote Strengthens U.S. Market Presence at FITUR 2025
Pete Clark
Saturday 26th Jan 2025
At the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, Lanzarote officials, including Cabildo President Oswaldo Betancort, met with Iberia executives to enhance the island's brand presence on the U.S. East Coast.
Discussions focused on attracting high-spending tourists and expanding into Latin American markets such as Mexico and Colombia.
Both parties emphasized the importance of direct air connections and targeted promotional campaigns to boost quality tourism and the local economy.
Lanzarote to Offer Free Public Transport for All in 2025
Lanzarote's Cabildo has confirmed that free public transport will remain available for both residents and visitors throughout 2025, despite political obstacles and a lack of backing from the Spanish central government.
Oswaldo Betancort, the island's president, highlighted Lanzarote's dedication to sustainable mobility and criticized the national government's failure to implement important social policies.
The initiative, aimed at promoting environmentally-friendly travel, will require an investment of approximately €8.5 million to continue providing free bus services across the island.
Pete Clark
Wed 24th Jan 2025
Lanzarote Inaugurates FITUR 2025, Leading Tourist Spending in the Canary Islands
Pete Clark
Wed 23th Jan 2025
The Cabildo of Lanzarote, led by President Oswaldo Betancort, inaugurated the island's stand at FITUR 2025, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable and quality tourism.
Lanzarote leads the Canary Islands in tourist spending per visitor, averaging nearly €192, while experiencing the lowest growth in visitor numbers.
This strategy underscores the island's focus on quality over quantity in tourism. Initiatives presented include the Guide to Good Sustainable Practices and the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Charter for Sustainable Tourism.
Lanzarote Roasts in Second Hottest Year on Record
Pete Clark
Wed 11th Jan 2025
In 2024, Lanzarote faced intense heat, marking it as the joint-second hottest year of the century so far. The island recorded an average annual temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius, matching the previous high set in 2010. Only 2023 surpassed this, with an average of 22.7 degrees Celsius.
The elevated temperatures were largely attributed to an unusually warm winter. During the first three months of the year, temperatures consistently hovered around the twenties.
Interestingly, the summer months were not exceptionally hot, especially compared to the extreme heat of summer 2023.
This trend underlines a concerning shift in the island's climate. Lanzarote's annual average temperature has now exceeded 20 degrees Celsius six times this century, with four of these occurrences happening in just the past five years.
The year 2024 also brought another climate challenge, ranking as the sixth driest year of the century. Only 56.4 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over 41 days at the airport weather station, underscoring the severity of the island's arid conditions.
#Lanzarote #ClimateChange #HeatWave #GlobalWarming #ExtremeWeather #TravelNews #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact #WeatherTrends #HotYear
Ryanair Implements Zero-Tolerance Policy on Disruptive Passengers: A Bold Step Towards Safer Skies
Pete Clark
Wed 8th Jan 2025
Ryanair has announced a zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive passenger behavior, taking significant legal action to enforce this approach. This move aims to safeguard the travel experience for passengers and crew, following an incident that disrupted a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote.
The Incident: Disruption and Consequences
On April 9, 2024, a passenger's disruptive behavior on Ryanair's flight from Dublin to Lanzarote forced an unscheduled diversion to Porto. The incident caused a chain reaction of delays and expenses:
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Passenger Impact: The 160 passengers onboard lost a full day of their holidays due to the overnight delay.
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Financial Costs: Ryanair incurred substantial expenses, including hotel accommodations for affected passengers, passenger care costs, and landing fees at Porto.
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Legal Action: The airline is now seeking €15,000 in damages from the individual, signaling its commitment to holding offenders accountable.
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Ryanair's Firm Stance
Ryanair's commitment to addressing passenger misconduct is underscored by strong statements from the airline:
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A spokesperson described the passenger's actions as "inexcusable," emphasizing the disruption caused to other passengers' travel plans.
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The airline's representative stated, "This demonstrates just one of the many consequences that passengers who disrupt flights will face as part of Ryanair’s zero-tolerance policy, and we hope this action will deter further disruptive behavior on flights so that passengers and crew can travel in a comfortable and respectful environment."
Broader Implications
This incident marks a significant shift in Ryanair's approach to managing passenger behavior, aiming to deter future incidents through clear consequences. The legal action serves as a warning that unruly actions could lead to severe financial and legal repercussions.
While the policy is a proactive measure to improve travel conditions, it raises questions about the boundaries of "disruptive behavior" and the need for consistent enforcement. Clear communication with passengers will be crucial to avoid misunderstandings and ensure fairness.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Better Travel Experiences
Ryanair's decision to pursue legal action against a disruptive passenger highlights its dedication to maintaining order and enhancing the travel experience.
While the long-term success of this approach will depend on its implementation and enforcement, it sets a precedent in the airline industry, demonstrating that disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
This case sends a strong message: respectful conduct is essential for ensuring a safe, comfortable journey for all.
Canary Islands Brace for Tourism Protests and Emergency Alert Test
Pete Clark
Mon 14 October 2024 at 10:30 am BST·1-min read
The Canary Islands are preparing for anti-tourism protests planned for 20 October, coinciding with World Tourism Day. Demonstrations will target "key tourist areas" including:
Tenerife: The Metropolis Commercial Centre in Playa Las Americas
Gran Canaria: Maspalomas
Fuerteventura: Corralejo
Protesters aim to highlight concerns over precarious working conditions, environmental damage, and unchecked construction resulting from mass tourism. This follows similar protests in April and ongoing anti-tourism sentiment in other Spanish holiday destinations.
Adding to the potential disruption, the Canary Islands government will test its ES-Alert emergency warning system on 24 October between 10 am and midday local time.
Mobile phone users in the islands should expect an alert message during this period. You can stop the ringing by pressing ACCEPT.
The Canary Islands Tourism Board (Turismo de Islas Canarias) urges tourism businesses to inform travellers about the test to minimise alarm.
Lanzarote Latest News
Majority of Tourists Support Tourist Tax Amid Sustainable Travel Shift
In a groundbreaking survey conducted by the Canarian Institute of Statistics, a significant 76.5% of tourists visiting Lanzarote expressed support for the introduction of a tourist tax.
This proposed tax, potentially ranging from €1 to €3 per day, aims to fund environmental conservation efforts and improve the quality of life for local residents.
Interestingly, Irish tourists, who represent one of Lanzarote's most dedicated visitor groups, displayed notable reservations, with 29.3% expressing concerns about the tax's potential impact on their holiday expenses.
However, overall support indicates a growing awareness and acceptance of sustainable tourism practices among the island's visitors.
As Lanzarote continues to attract tourists with its unique volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, the proposed tourist tax could play a crucial role in preserving these natural and cultural resources.
The tax aligns with global trends toward more eco-conscious travel, where tourists are increasingly willing to contribute to the sustainability of their chosen destinations.
This development comes when the tourism industry worldwide is shifting towards more responsible travel practices. With climate change and environmental degradation becoming central concerns, destinations like Lanzarote are exploring ways to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.
The proposed tourist tax, if implemented, could set a precedent for other popular destinations in the Canary Islands and beyond.
Local businesses and tourism operators are also closely watching this development, as the introduction of a tourist tax could influence travel patterns, spending behaviour, and overall visitor satisfaction.
However, many believe that the long-term benefits of preserving Lanzarote's natural beauty and ensuring sustainable tourism will outweigh any short-term challenges.
Nigel Clarkson - 15th August 2024
#LanzaroteNews #TouristTax #SustainableTravel #EcoTourism #CanaryIslands #LanzaroteTourism #TravelTrends #ResponsibleTourism #EnvironmentalConservation #SustainableDestinations
Lanzarote’s Playa Blanca Reopens After Swift Environmental Recovery
Environmental Setback The pristine shores of Playa Blanca faced an unexpected challenge when a technical mishap at a local sewage pump led to contamination. The incident, which occurred on May 4 2024, prompted immediate action from authorities to protect public health and the environment.
Community Response In response to the spillage, the Security and Emergencies Consortium of Lanzarote acted swiftly, closing the beach and initiating cleanup efforts. Canal Gestion staff worked tirelessly to repair the damage, showcasing a commendable commitment to Lanzarote’s natural beauty and the well-being of its residents and visitors.
A Beach Restored After intensive remediation, Playa Blanca has been declared safe and is once again welcoming beachgoers. The rapid resolution is a testament to the island’s resilience and the effectiveness of its environmental protocols.
Reassurance for Visitors Tourists can rest assured that Lanzarote remains a paradise for holidaymakers, with its stunning landscapes and dedication to sustainable tourism. The recent protests highlight a community passionate about preserving the island’s charm and ensuring a balanced approach to welcoming visitors.
Lanzarote’s swift action in the face of adversity serves as a reminder of the island’s commitment to environmental stewardship and a quality experience for all who visit its shores. Playa Blanca’s reopening is not just a return to normalcy, but a step forward in the island’s journey towards a harmonious coexistence with nature.
Pete Clark