Far from being ‘Lanzagrotty’, the volcanic Canary Island of Lanzarote, 125km off the west coast of Africa, has become the destination of choice for holidaymakers in 2013.

 

Latest data released by ISTAC, the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics, reveals that tourism levels are erupting with arrivals to the international airport rising by 5.29% in September this year, creating a seven month run of consecutive growth.

Due to its year round warm weather, 12hrs day light in winter, and ease of access from the UK and Europe, Lanzarote’s tourism market enjoys a busy summer and winter seasons with many over 60s, from northern Europe in particular, jetting off to this unique island to escape the long dark days and freezing temperatures.

Indeed the ISTAC figures reveal that tourists from the UK and Ireland are driving the seemingly recession-proof market with arrivals from Britain and the Republic up 9.1% and 18.8% respectively during September alone.

Gil Summers, Co-Founder of Sun Park Living, the private gated community resort, exclusively for those who are retired and active, located in the south of Lanzarote, comments,

“Whilst much of mainland Spain’s tourism industry has suffered during the last few years of recession, here on Lanzarote we have seen visitor levels remain steady and rise in recent months. A perennially popular holiday destination since the first package tours in the 1960’s, the volcanic, almost lunar landscape of the island combined with 213km of coastline, 10km of sandy beaches, charming towns and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protected site status, Lanzarote has something for everyone.”

“The low rainfall, year round temperatures in the mid-20s, European culture, and easy, affordable direct access from Europe makes Lanzarote particularly popular for SunRockers (retired people) looking to escape the harsh winter. In fact visitor levels to our resort, Sun Park Living, are up by 37% and we are nearly fully booked from December through to March.”

Whilst the UK remains the source of 45% of foreign arrivals each year (707,117 visitors to date this year), Germany and increasingly Ireland are becoming important sources of tourism. As the Emerald Isle emerges from one of the deepest recessions in the Eurozone, tourism levels to Lanzarote are on the up with a staggering 21% increase seen in the first nine months of 2013 and more than 200,000 passengers expected for the year as a whole.

Gil Summers comments,

“At Sun Park Living, our Sun Rocker’s community in Playa Blanca, on the southern tip of Lanzarote, a well-known upmarket area comprising mostly self-catering accommodation, we welcome a high number of Irish guests. Low cost airlines such as Aer Lingus have recognised the popularity of this destination recently adding a new direct route from Shannon to Arrecife International Airport and with Ryanair’s year round flights from Cork and Dublin, getting from Ireland to our island couldn’t be easier!”

In addition to the new Aer Lingus route, Dutch low-cost airline Transavia has just commenced operation of a weekly charter flight from Eindhoven to Lanzarote and the airport’s Director welcomed the first Jetair flight arrival from Lyon in France in October 2013.

So if you are an active retiree, or a Sun Rocker, as you’ll be fondly referred to, looking for some sun this winter, then why not explore a stay at Sun Park Living? Enjoy all the freedom of great value for money self-catering apartment accommodation with all the benefits of community living with like-minded ‘Sun Rockers’. Stay for just a few weeks or up to 6 months, the choice is yours, the rental options are very flexible, and there’s no need to worry about hidden extras, as utilities and maintenance, are included.

Sun Park Living is about Sun Rockers enjoying 12 or more weeks a year (in 3 or more blocks of 4weeks each, consecutive or not) in a holiday community environment for 625EUR/4weeks. Those wishing to sample the community, may book a 4 Weeks Taster Stay for 225EUR/week. One week Taster Visit is 350EUR/week.

For more information contact Gil and the team on 0161 408 3360 or visit www.sunparkliving.com.