Posts Tagged ‘Tenerife’

Tenerife Resolves To Reinvent Itself

It’s almost as if Tenerife designed the model of mass tourism. Each year millions of visitors came to the island to take advantage of its year-round warm weather and low cost holiday options. During the 1990′s significant levels of foreign investment was poured into the island and whole resorts sprang up quickly to cater for the demands of increasing tourist volumes. Massive hotels together with endless lines of bars and restaurants could barely cope with the numbers of visitors. By 2001 over 10 million people were coming to the Canary Islands, almost all of them arriving by air. This created the need for larger more modern airports and new terminals buildings were built. That peak in 2001 has never been repeated but Tenerife and the other islands have remained a favoured travel destination for Spanish, German and UK tourists ever since. Until 2009 that is.

The shock of a 15 percent reduction in visitor numbers has been hard to cope with on an island that relies so much on tourism and related services. The travel industry makes up a third of the island’s commercial activity and the poor figures for 2009 have placed around a quarter of the island’s population out of work.

The reasons for the big drop in tourists are fairly clear. The global recession has hit every country, including the three that provide the bulk of Tenerife’s visitors, but another factor has made things even harder. The strong Euro has made the cost of holidays in the euro-zone countries increase by almost 50 per cent. This is a situation affecting not just Tenerife, but also other destinations around Europe, but the island and it’s neighbours of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are particularly reliant of UK holiday traffic.

But the change in fortunes for this holiday destination is being taken as an opportunity for modernisation and reinvention by some businesses. Perhaps for the first time in twenty years shutting down their businesses for much-needed repairs and modernisations will not cost them too much in lost revenue. The slowdown could just be perfect timing, with many hotels still running with facilities and d?r that may have been fashionable in 1990, but not today. Tired and worn hotel rooms, that have each welcomed thousands of visitors over the years can finally be given a new makeover.

Some hotels have already taken the decision to target completely different market sectors. Perhaps they already realise that the mass-market discount sector may never be the same as it one was, and that the future generations of holidaymakers will be lower in number, but more discerning and prepared to spend more on their holidays for better accommodation and service.

Once the recession eases and the tourist numbers start to build back up again, the businesses on Tenerife will experience a new level of competition. Theirs is little doubt that things will improve, particularly because resorts that have an all year holiday climate like the Canaries are few and far between.

With some foresight it seems the authorities on the island have been preparing for exactly the situation they find themselves in. Even with reductions in revenues from business rates, additional investment is being made in transport infrastructure and public areas are being improved. There is little doubt that this would not be possible unless the authorities had budgeted for them in advance. The island is not prepared to let go of its main commercial activity without a fight.

The tourists that come to Tenerife in the years to come may find a quieter location, but an improved one for that. Beaches will be cleaner and better looked after, restaurants will deliver higher quality food with better service and there are likely to be more luxury hotels that ever before. The primary market is still likely to be those seeking an averaged priced holiday, but there may be a new style of tourist coming to Tenerife. Wealthy tourists from Russia and other areas less affected by the recent financial situation are more likely to venture down to the Canaries for a winter sun holiday, whereas in the past they could have visited places like Egypt and Dubai for their winter breaks.

Why is it a Good Idea to Settle for Tenerife Property?

Conduct a simple online search for the keyword Tenerife property and there will be pages full of information about the various properties for sale in Tenerife. Seemingly there are thousands of sellers or estate agents all desperate to attract buyers and thus sell one of their properties in Tenerife. But while there are these many options available and if you’re contemplating an overseas property purchase, is it not important to be clear on the expectations on what a prospective location can offer? The below mentioned details present information about Tenerife, from the property buying prospective, and can thereby help you with the Tenerife property purchase decision.

Tenerife, also referred to as the island of eternal spring, is the largest of the Canary Islands. A four hour flight is all it takes from the UK to reach Tenerife. The region, among various other pleasing facets, offers excellent climatic conditions. With Tenerife weather, there are negligible uncertainties or extremities. Average range is 73OF – 82OF. Summers are not very hot and winters are not very cold. While this fact tempts many overseas investors, Britons are categorically attracted; thanks to the harsh winters and wet summers of UK. Perhaps this is the central explanation for trends which indicate that a considerable proportion of the tourist inflow to Tenerife is from the UK and likewise a reasonable chunk of overseas homeowners of Tenerife property are of British origin. Among the stated, retired citizens are particularly interested in Tenerife property. Call it accessibility, or ease of living, or insignificant language barriers, Tenerife easily pulls attention. But this does not imply that it is just British buyers; with more direct flights operational, Tenerife is gaining attention from buyers and tourists from Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany, Holland and Belgium.    

From the charming weather, let’s now shift focus to more materialistic aspects i.e. the business possibilities. Buying Tenerife property implies investing in one of the safest options. Tenerife attracts more than five million tourists every year, which leaves little concern on the possibilities of earning rental income from Tenerife property. The island is well developed and offers many recreational options for visitors including golf, water activities, beach related pursuits and thus for years to come, this aspect is taken care of. Short term or long term letting is also not an issue with the matured Tenerife rental market.

Additionally, Tenerife is presenting a strong case for the property buyers, with infrastructural developments taking place across the island, especially covering the left out regions and areas around golf courses. The government is now interested in presenting Tenerife as the preferred holiday destination. Shopping complexes, hotels, eateries, retails shops, are all are being focused. And thus, the number of tourists to this beautiful island is expected to further increase. No wonder the island secured top slot in the property searches domain on Google.  

Another reason to consider a Tenerife property is provided by the falling prices, especially towards the South. Spanish property market has busted and though there are not as significant repercussions of the same on the Tenerife property market, due to oversupply and currency woes, Tenerife property is now available at a cheaper tag. Various independent surveys and group studies have released statistical reports which confirm that the property prices in Tenerife have fallen. The percentage varies with areas, but the range is typically 3% – 6%, and the South has suffered the maximum fall. Therefore a suitable Tenerife property, especially outside the more popular tourist regions, would now ensure a profitable bargain. However, if the idea is to make the most of rental opportunities from Tenerife property, sticking closer to the popular choices would eventually make sense.

Why Tenerife Drew Over One Million Tourists in 2007

Vacationers returning from the Spanish isle of Tenerife will tell you some of the many reasons which make this tropical paradise the number one destination for Canary Island visitors.

Of this archipelago of seven small island bodies, Tenerife fetches almost half (about 45%) of the British visitors which travel here every year. Of those visitors, a third will return to Tenerife again. By the end of 2007, Tenerife will have seen an influx of almost a million and half visitors. Thanks to these, Tenerife credits a stunning 60% of its GDP dollars to the tourism industry.

Business owners have answered the call by catering to the fancies of travelers from abroad. The island is rife with five star hotels and resorts that offer luxury accommodations, sightseeing packages, all-inclusive holidays as well as access to colorful markets, beaches, restaurants and clubs. Tenerife is also home to many smaller economy hotels and motels, eclectic bed and breakfasts and private, self-catering style accommodations. This makes Tenerife not only a desirable destination, but an affordable one as well.

Naturally, one of Tenerife’s biggest draws for tourists is its delicious white-sand beaches. A delightful mix of both man-made and naturally-formed beaches, the island of Tenerife has a location for all your fun-in-the-sun activities; from snorkeling, to scuba, to hanging ten on a surfboard, to windsurfing or just for soaking up some sun. Whether you prefer a secluded cove or a wide-open expanse of sand, you’ll appreciate the efforts made by local government, as well as private business owners, to provide visitors with high standards of cleanliness and access to facilities such as restrooms and showers.

If exploration is more your cup of tea, Tenerife is abundant with breathtaking natural beauty and opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. In fact, this island boasts the tallest mountain in Spain, Mt. Teide, which is home to an extraordinary 48 km. crater left behind by an inactive volcano. Travelers who want to make a day of it can hike the crater; those with less time or desire to hike can catch a cable car to the summit where a magnificent view of this sublime paradise awaits.

Another of Tenerife’s natural tourist attractions are the Cliffs of the Giants. These astounding rock walls drop from heights of 500-800 feet almost straight down into the sea. Tourists can soak in the sights from one of the restaurants and other viewpoints located across the small bay in the resort town of Los Gigantes. They may opt for an up-close and personal look at the massive rock faces by taking a tour boat across the bay.

History and archeology buffs will appreciate the Pyramids at Guimar. Archaeologists first dismissed their discovery as mere stone terraces similar to others across the Canary Islands. It has since been proved that the pyramids were authentic ancient structures akin in design and craftsmanship to those in places like Peru and ancient Mesopotamia. The pyramids now attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to marvel at their expert construction.

In addition to Tenerife’s natural attractions, there are hundreds of man-made ones too. When it’s time to dine, dance and party, Tenerife has a variety of first class restaurants and night clubs. It also offers small, eclectic and even quirky places that provide an even truer picture of the culture and history of this island and its inhabitants.

If a tropical vacation is in your plans for the New Year, consider putting Tenerife on your travel agenda. The local tourism board expects that travel numbers will exceed 1.5 million in terms of visitors in 2008. This means that opportunities for accommodations and activities will only get better. Once you’ve visited this gorgeous island, you may even count yourself in that one third who finds Tenerife too magnetic and irresistible not to visit again.

Tenerife Holidays To Bounce Back For 2008

Visitors to the Spanish island of Tenerife will tell you some of the many reasons which made this tropical paradise the number one destination for Canary Island visitors for many years, before tourism numbers dropped for the first time in a long while last year.

Of the seven islands that make up the Canaries, Tenerife attracts almost half of the British visitors – Tenerife’s most important market – who holiday on the Canaries in a typical year.

Of those tourists, a third will return to Tenerife again. Despite the drop in visitor numbers last year Tenerife attracted nearly one and a half million tourists for 2007, and tourism made up sixty per cent of the island’s GDP – showing just how important the holiday market is to the island.

Business owners have answered the call to increase the number of visitors for this year by catering to the modern demands of today’s tourists – the island is rife with five star hotels and resorts that offers luxury accommodation, sightseeing packages, all-inclusive holidays as well as access to colourful markets, beaches, restaurants and clubs.

Tenerife is also home to many smaller economy hotels and guest houses, along with self catering villas.

One of Tenerife’s biggest draws for tourists is her great beaches. A real mix of both man made and naturally formed beaches, the island has a location for all your fun-in-the-sun activities; from snorkeling, to scuba diving to windsurfing or just for soaking up some sun.

Whether you prefer a secluded cove or a wide open stretch of sand, tourists will appreciate the efforts made by local government, as well as private business owners, to provide visitors with high standards of cleanliness and access to facilities such as restrooms and showers.

If exploration is more your cup of tea, Tenerife is abundant with breathtaking natural beauty and opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. Tenerife has the highest mountain in Spain, Mt. Teide, which is home to an extraordinary 48 km. crater left behind by an inactive volcano. Tourists who want to make a day of it can hike to the crater – those with less time or desire to hike can catch a cable car to the summit where a magnificent view of this sublime paradise awaits.

Another of Tenerife’s natural tourist attractions are the Cliffs of the Giants. These astounding rock walls drop from heights of 500-800 feet almost straight down into the sea. Tourists can soak in the sights from one of the restaurants and other viewpoints located across the small bay in the resort town of Los Gigantes. They may opt for an up close and personal look at the massive rock faces by taking a tour boat across the bay.

History and archeology buffs will appreciate the Pyramids at Gadimar. Archaeologists first dismissed their discovery as mere stone terraces similar to others across the Canary Islands. It has since been proved that the pyramids were authentic ancient structures akin in design and craftsmanship to those in places like Peru and ancient Mesopotamia. The pyramids now attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to marvel at their expert construction.

In addition to Tenerife’s natural attractions, there are hundreds of man made ones too. When it’s time to dine, dance and party, Tenerife has a variety of first class restaurants and night clubs. It also offers small, eclectic and even quirky places that provide an even truer picture of the culture and history of this island and its inhabitants.

If a sunshine holiday is in your plans for 2008, consider putting Tenerife on your travel agenda. The local tourism board expects that travel numbers will rise this year.

Once you’ve visited Tenerife, you may even count yourself in that one third who finds Tenerife too magnetic and irresistible not to visit again.

The Beautiful Golf Courses of Tenerife

Tenerife is becoming more and more popular with golfers looking for great courses, weather and scenery. Tenerife is an ideal golfing destination with a great all year round climate for golfers with temperatures averaging 23 degrees, ranging from 18 to 24 degrees, very little annual rain fall.

Tenerife is known as ´the Island of eternal spring `due to its geographical location and the winds and sea temperatures surrounding the island.

Tenerife golf is becoming more popular with recent top quality course being designed. Built and opened. This also includes the amazing Tecina Golf Course on Gomera Island just of Tenerife.

The Tenerife landscape is varied due to slight changes in climate caused by Mount Tiede and its slopes down to the Ocean. In winter you can enjoy the sunny weather of the beach while the two thousand high mount will have snow on top. Tenerife’s capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife enjoys good weather all year round but just a few kilometers away at Laguna it will be cold and possibly rain.

Real Club de Tenerife is the original and oldest course on the island opening in 1932, in fact it is the second oldest in Spain. The rolling course is 600 meters above sea level with steep cliffs and has mount Tiede as its back drop. This course is always popular due its location and friendly clubhouse.

Recent golf courses opened on Tenerife Golf are Buenavista golf course designed by Seve Ballesteros situated on the north west of the island and Tecina golf course designed by Donald Steel situated on Gomera Island a short ferry from Tenerife.

Buenavista golf course has been designed in a beautiful setting and designed to challenge with the back nine more challenging as many of the holes give the appearance of playing into the Atlantic Ocean.

Tecina Golf Course has many of the greens suspended in the air on the edge of the cliff face. Nearly all the holes are downhill with views of Mount Tiede on Tenerife, the Gomera landscape and of course the Atlantic Ocean.

Originally opened in 1987 is Golf de Sur which has 27 holes offering three different championship courses. As well as hosting golfing events the golf school is set up for the use of amateurs and professional who enjoy the facilities and the weather.

Tenerife is worth a visit for anyone who enjoys a holiday in beautiful place with friendly people and a high level of service, especially a golfing holiday where the above courses and other on the island can be enjoyed.

If you wish to play this course then let Sungolfer help you.

Always enjoy your golf.

Regards,

Sungolfer – The Perfect Round of Golf