Castilla Calls For Vaccinations For Tourism Sector
The Canary Islands Tourism Minister Yaiza Castilla called this week for frontline tourism workers to be vaccinated as soon as possible, both for their own protection, but also as part of “safe tourism” campaign. She went on to say that currently the UK are treating Spain and The Canaries as one body for their upcoming traffic light system. She is having talks with counterparts, with a view to having the islands treated separately. Castilla also said that she doesn’t want to raise false hopes about significant tourism this summer for the islands: “With the data we have so far in Promotur, we do not expect a recovery until well into the summer, and a certain improvement, to lay the foundations for next year, in October or November.”
Wedding Numbers Restrictions Lifted
The Canaries Government has lifted Covid restrictions on numbers attending wedding ceremonies and baptisms on the island. Weddings now can be up to the capacity of the venue and within the rules of each level applying to the relevant island.
Lanzarote Stays In Level 2
At this week’s update, Lanzarote remained in level 2 of Covid restrictions. Gran Canaria moved down to the same level and Fuerteventura moved to level 1. The only island still in level 3 is Tenerife, and their situation will be reviewed next week.
Royal Caribbean To Return In September
The Royal Caribbean cruise line has confirmed that their ships will be visiting Lanzarote again from September onwards. Oasis of the seas, which carries up to 4,200 passengers will dock in Arrecife five times during September and October.
Dakar Rally Winner To Race In Lanzarote
Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, three times winner of the Dakar rally, will race in Lanzarote a the Isla de los volcanes rally in August. The event is part of the Copa de España series.
Awards For Lanzarote Wines
Lanzarote wines have once again earned medals at an international wine contest. El Grifo’s Canari sweet wine won a gold award and Bodegas La Geria a gold medal for their sweet Malvasia and a silver for their Manto dry white.
More Hotels Opening
Aquasuites in Puerto del Carmen will open on 1st June, and Costa Sal in Matagorda on 8th July.
World Voyager Docks In Arrecife
World Voyager docked in Arrecife for the first time this week. The ground breaking “eco” cruise ship offers sustainable cruising to around 200 passengers in a luxurious environment. On this trip, she was carrying 74 passengers, mainly German, and 97 crew. She was welcomed for her first visit by the CEO of Lanzarote’s tourism department, and will be a regular visitor to Arrecife.
Wine Shop Offering Deliveries Across Europe
Wine Shop Lanzarote are now able to deliver Lanzarote wines to all European countries. Initially, their service was only available for UK delivery. Full details are here: Wine Shop European Deliveries.
Cabildo President Promotes ZEC
President of The Cabildo, Maria Dolores Corujo, gave a press conference this week to talk about the special ZEC tax regime available to new start companies on the island. There are currently 39 companies employing 240 people here operating under the scheme, which requires an investment of at least €50,000 and to employ at least 5 people. In return they have their corporation tax reduced to 4%, as well as exemptions from sales and capital transfer taxes.
Island’s Attractions Free For Mothers
Sunday May 2nd is Mother’s Day here in Spain, and Lanzarote’s seven major attractions will be free of charge for all mothers on the day.
Hospital Cases Halve
Four people were discharged from hospital after Covid treatment on Tuesday, halving the numbers in one day. At one stage in January, there were 66 in hospital, and today, just 4.
Montaña Mina Windmills Coming Down
The windmills on Montaña Mina are being removed. First installed in 1992, and the first wind generators on the island, they have reached the end of their operational life.
Awareness Campaign Underway
A social media campaign aimed at encouraging the island’s young people to continue to comply with Covid restrictions has launched this week. It focuses on the importance of tourism to the economy and points out we cannot afford any increased infections.
Hello From The Best Climate In The World
The tourism department of the island launches a new tourism strategy this week, together with new websites in several languages. The strapline above will be used across all channels.
Visitors Up In March
A total of 15,136 tourists visited the island in March, up more than 4,000 over February. A total of 90 hotels and apartment complexes were open, but occupancy was 15.39%.
Spain’s R Number Drops Below One
The Health Minister of Spain, Fernando Simón has reported that the fourth wave of Coronavirus is already ebbing, as Spain’s R number drops below 1 again, having briefly reached 1.15.
Car Sales Leap
New car sales in Lanzarote leaped by 54% in March, compared to the same month last year, despite the fact that the first half of March 2021 was largely unaffected by the pandemic. Strong sales are being projected for the second quarter on the island.
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