There´s no denying that Lanzarote´s tourist industry has been struggling in recent months. Along with virtually every other holiday destination worldwide.
As visitor arrivals on the island for the first half of this year have fallen by just over 18%, versus the first half of 2008, according to figures compiled by the Spanish airport authority AENA.
So it´s even more important for owners of apartments and villas in Lanzarote to focus on the positive and welcome a number of recent announcements from major flight operators. Who have all been unveiling new services to Lanzarote.
The latest development comes from Ryanair – who plan to take advantage of new Spanish airport tax concessions by running 15 new services to Lanzarote, starting in October.
These new flights to Lanzarote will be available from seven regional airports – namely Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, East Midlands, Luton, Liverpool and Prestwick. Thanks to AENA´s recent announcement that they will be waiving all airport charges through until the end of March next year.
It is possible that the Ryanair services may prove short-lived. As the airline has made it clear that the continuation of these new flights to Lanzarote beyond March 31st 2010 is largely dependent on an extension of AENA´s tax waiver. In the meantime however they expect these new services, in tandem with new flights to Tenerife and Gran Canaria, to bring an extra two million passengers to the island. Whilst also creating up to 2000 jobs at the airports involved.
Earlier this month close rival Aer Lingus announced new flights to Lanzarote from their base in Gatwick, starting from October 10th. Again initially operating for the winter months only. With tickets on sale from as little as £49.99 one way with flights operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Whilst easyJet will be operating a new service to the island from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, commencing in November on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. With one way prices starting at just £29.99.
According to Carly Brear, easyJet´s UK Commercial Manager: “This route comes as a direct commitment of ours to continue to enhance our destinations at Liverpool to meet customer demand. I have every faith these two routes will be extremely popular with our loyal North West customer base. I look forward to continuing to build on our strong relationship with both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote to boost tourism to these islands.”
Last but not least TUI, the owners of the First Choice and Thomson travel brands will be operating a new service from Robin Hood Doncaster/Sheffield for the summer season of 2010.
