Recent figures for 2026 show a sharp decline in the amount of time tourists spend away from their hotel rooms in Maspalomas, a popular resort on Gran Canaria. The data were compiled from local accommodation logs and reflect a noticeable shift in visitor habits across the island.
British visitors limit outings to under three hours
According to the report, the majority nationality in the area, British travelers, are now staying inside their accommodations for most of the day. About 29.1 percent of them venture out for no more than three hours, up from 24 percent a year earlier. The rise indicates that a larger share of this group prefers compact itineraries.
Local businesses worry that shorter stays translate into lower spending on food, drinks and activities. Owners of beachfront cafés report slower turnover, and some observers attribute the pattern to the growing popularity of all‑inclusive packages.
Spanish tourists still explore the region
In contrast, the data indicate that nearly 20 percent of Spanish visitors spend the bulk of their day outside their rooms, touring local attractions or strolling through the town. Their longer outings support nearby shops and cultural sites.
Overall, roughly 70 percent of all guests limit themselves to activities reachable on foot, leaving longer excursions across the island lower on their priority lists. This pattern keeps foot traffic concentrated near main promenades and central plazas.
Only about 17 percent show an interest in trying traditional Canarian cuisine, suggesting a fairly isolated tourist micro‑environment. Culinary tours see fewer bookings as a result, prompting some chefs to redesign menus for in‑room dining.
The pattern resembles the post‑pandemic slump seen in other European beach destinations, where travelers favored compact, low‑movement holidays after years of restrictions. Similar declines were recorded in Portugal and Italy after 2022, hinting that the current numbers may reflect a broader shift rather than a one‑off local quirk.
Authorities in the Canary Islands are monitoring the behavior, noting that reduced movement could affect the region’s seasonal revenue streams. The regional tourism board plans to review the data next quarter, though no specific policy response has been announced.
They have not yet announced any concrete measures, but they continue to gather feedback from stakeholders.
Meanwhile, merchants continue to adapt, offering in‑room services and promoting nearby walking routes to encourage modest spending without requiring long trips. Some hotels now include minibar restocking as part of room service, aiming to capture revenue that might otherwise be lost.
Tourism agencies are taking note.