Record Tourism Boosts Economy in South Tenerife

Tourism Booms in the Canary Islands, with South Tenerife Standing Out

The Canary Islands just hit a new record for international tourism. In June 2025, over 1,078,000 tourists arrived, the highest number ever recorded for that month. This is more than 3% higher than in June 2024, according to new data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

This strong month helped push the total number of international visitors to 7.84 million in the first half of 2025. That's 4% more than during the same period last year. Visitors are not just coming more often, they’re also spending more. In June alone, they spent €1.56 billion in the Canary Islands. That’s nearly 8.5% more than the year before.

Each tourist spent about €190 per day and stayed for an average of 7.6 days. That means the average visitor spent around €1,447 in total. It’s a noticeable rise of over 5% from last year, showing that the Canary Islands remain a popular and valuable destination.

Costa Adeje Are Among Top Spots

The Canary Islands are now the second most visited region in Spain, just after Catalonia. But when you look closer, it's clear that Tenerife, especially the South of Tenerife, continues to shine. Areas like Costa Adeje are full of life during the high season. Thanks to its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and modern services, this part of the island attracts tourists from all over Europe, especially the UK.

Visitors often choose to stay in quality hotels or short-term rentals. Many of them later fall in love with the island and even look for Tenerife properties to buy. Some want a second home to enjoy holidays with family. Others see it as a smart investment in a place with strong rental demand all year round.

Tourism Across Spain is Growing But the Canaries Lead in Spending

Across the country, Spain welcomed 44.5 million tourists between January and June. That’s a 4.7% increase. In June alone, the Balearic Islands attracted the highest number of visitors (24%), followed by Catalonia (21%), Andalusia (15%), and the Canary Islands.

However, when it comes to spending, the Canary Islands came first. Tourists spent €11.87 billion in the first half of 2025 nearly 20% of all money spent by international visitors in Spain. This is a huge boost for the local economy and a sign that people continue to value the unique experience the islands offer.

Even though the average length of stay in Spain has dropped slightly to 6.6 days, tourists are spending more than ever. Daily spending rose by over 6%, reaching €209 per day. Experts see this as a sign of “quality tourism,” where visitors may stay shorter but choose to spend more during their stay.

British Tourists Keep Coming Back to Tenerife

The UK remains Spain’s top tourist market. Nearly 9 million British travellers visited Spain in the first half of the year a 5.2% increase. Germans and French tourists follow close behind. Not only do UK visitors come in large numbers, but they also spend the most. British tourists now make up almost 18% of all international spending in Spain.

Many of these travellers choose Tenerife as their destination. The island is easy to reach, has great weather all year round, and offers both lively resorts and peaceful villages. The South of Tenerife, in particular, remains a top choice for British visitors and many return again and again.

Hotels Still the Most Popular But Rentals Are Growing

Across Spain, most visitors still prefer hotels. Around 28.7 million tourists stayed in hotels during the first half of 2025. But the number of people choosing holiday rentals or private apartments is also rising fast. Rental stays grew by 10%, and more tourists also stayed in second homes or with friends and family.

In the Canary Islands, hotels remain the top choice. Around 67% of all tourist spending came from hotel guests, which is nearly 7.5% more than last year. Meanwhile, spending by those in non-commercial accommodation such as staying with friends or in private homes went down by almost 6%.

Balancing Tourism and Daily Life in Tenerife

Tourism is clearly a key part of the economy in Tenerife and the Canary Islands. It creates jobs and brings in much-needed money for local businesses. However, the rapid growth in visitors also brings some challenges. Local residents, especially in popular areas like Costa Adeje, are starting to feel the pressure. Rising housing prices, limited rental options, and overcrowding are real concerns.

As more people search for Tenerife properties, especially in the south, local authorities will need to find ways to balance growth with quality of life for residents. Many agree that tourism is important but it needs to be managed carefully to keep the island a great place to live and visit.