The British market remains hugely important to Tenerife, and the latest figures suggest there’s little sign of that changing.
At this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the island is highlighting expected flight capacity from the UK of 2,717,431 seats for 2026. That’s almost identical to last year’s figure and underlines just how important the British connection remains.
Tenerife’s team is using the event to meet with tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and travel media, with a few clear priorities. More direct flights, visitors who are interested in spending money on experiences rather than simply booking a cheap week in the sun, and a stronger focus on responsible tourism.
There’s also an effort to show a different side of the island. Food, local produce, nature, adventure and the traditions that make Tenerife what it is are all part of the pitch.
The thinking is that tourism should bring more benefits to local businesses and producers, rather than simply adding to visitor numbers.
The British market still matters
Lope Afonso, Tenerife’s Vice President and Tourism Councillor, says the UK remains important not only because of its size and flight connections, but also because of the money British visitors contribute to the local economy.
The aim is to attract people who are prepared to spend a little more and explore more of what the island has to offer.
Dimple Melwani, CEO of Tenerife Tourism, also sees the WTM as an important opportunity to strengthen relationships with the British market while promoting a wider range of experiences. Nature, adventure and local culture are all high on the agenda, alongside the message that visitors should travel responsibly.
Airlines and spending figures
Looking ahead, scheduled summer flight capacity from the UK in 2026 is expected to reach 1,544,574 seats, a slight increase on the previous year.
EasyJet is increasing its capacity by 1%, while British Airways has expanded its offering by more than 10%.
The financial figures are also worth looking at. British visitors generated €3.7 billion in tourism revenue for Tenerife during 2025, an increase of 3.6% on the previous year.
During the first six months of 2026, revenue reached €1.727 billion, up by 1%.
British visitors gave Tenerife an average satisfaction score of 8.77 out of 10 and spent an average of €1,498 per person, which was 2.8% more than the previous year.
So, while there’s plenty of talk about attracting new markets and diversifying tourism, the British connection isn’t going anywhere. With more than 2.7 million air seats expected, it’s still a very important part of Tenerife’s tourism business.