Lanzarote, a Spanish island in the Canary Islands, is significantly smaller than England. While Lanzarote covers an area of 845.95 square kilometers (326.62 square miles), England boasts a much larger landmass of 130,279 square kilometers (50,301 square miles). This makes England roughly 154 times bigger than Lanzarote. To visualize the difference, imagine England as a large puzzle, and Lanzarote as just one of its many small pieces. This stark contrast in size is important to understand when considering the island’s recent discussions regarding tourism and overcrowding.
Lanzarote Island Map
Lanzarote’s Tourism Concerns: Why Less Can Be More
Despite its smaller size, Lanzarote attracts a large number of tourists, particularly from the United Kingdom. In 2019, over half of the island’s 1.3 million visitors were British, surpassing the combined visitor numbers from Germany and France. This reliance on the British market has led to concerns about overcrowding and its impact on the island’s environment and resources.
Lanzarote’s President, María Dolores Corujo, has voiced concerns about the “existential threat” of overtourism, sparking a debate about sustainable tourism practices. While the local opposition worries about potential economic consequences, the government is exploring ways to attract higher-spending tourists from other European countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and France. The goal is to diversify the tourism market and reduce the island’s dependence on British tourism, potentially leading to a more sustainable and economically viable approach.
The British Tourism Debate: A Clash of Perspectives
The proposed shift in tourism strategy has ignited controversy, particularly within the travel industry. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, a major UK budget airline, criticized President Corujo’s comments as “inflammatory and offensive.” He expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on the numerous hotels and villas Jet2 partners with on the island. This highlights the complex relationship between Lanzarote and British tourism, with economic interests potentially conflicting with the desire for sustainable tourism practices.
Addressing Overtourism: A Work in Progress
While the intention to limit British tourists is clear, the specific implementation details remain undefined. There is no official cap on tourist numbers yet. However, the Lanzarote council website indicates a shift in marketing efforts towards other European countries. The focus is on attracting fewer tourists who spend more, contributing to a more sustainable tourism model that prioritizes quality over quantity.
Sustainability and Economic Growth: Finding a Balance
Lanzarote’s tourism authorities emphasize a commitment to sustainability and economic excellence. The aim is to generate greater wealth for the island’s economy by attracting visitors who contribute higher spending per capita. This strategy aligns with a broader trend in the tourism industry, where destinations are increasingly seeking ways to balance economic growth with environmental protection and responsible tourism practices.
Echoes of Overtourism Across Spain: A Growing Trend
Lanzarote’s situation reflects a wider trend across Spain, with other popular destinations grappling with the challenges of overtourism. The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza) have also announced plans to cap tourist numbers after welcoming over 16 million visitors in 2022. This reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable tourism management across popular Spanish destinations. These islands are actively implementing measures to curb excessive tourism, including restrictions on alcohol sales and party-centric activities. This indicates a shift towards prioritizing quality tourism and mitigating the negative impacts of mass tourism.
