Has the Canary holiday market collapsed?

[liam]

hi all from a bright and dry Dublin(for a change)..........

dont wish to cause stress....but just back from the supermarket and I noticed that a big operator is advertising packages to Gran Canaria with flights(ex dublin) accomodation in pla and pr, transfers for €229!.....and I ask

has the canary market collapsed?......

or have we been SCRE*ED during the good times?.....

or has the holiday market for winter holidays collapsed....people will go back to 2 weeks in the summer?.........

the reason I ask is that in april our friends fley first choice flight only and it cost €450 each!.....

difficult times ahead?.....


ps. how is the summer doin in Puerto Rico?

[_Victoria_]

Very quiet and lots of people with very little money!

[russ]

its bloody frightening how dead it is. its like november. i think the main problem is everyone has less money this year due to the credit crunch and the money they bring with them is worth less here as the euro is so strong. plus the rio sol being closed is killing europa.

not going to put to much on here as all the folk with their heads stuck in the sand saying how great we are all doing will jump down my throat.

[liam]

sad to hear but things here in ireland and i suspect the uk are even worst than we are told............

I hope ye can all hang on until things improve (I predict an economic up-turn in may 2010).....

I'll do my bit in november....bring 10 down for a 'birthday' week............might even drop into the europa!....

best wishes from dublin.....

[yflood]

liam having to go from either dublin or belfast myself, this seems a very good deal i notice we pay far more for our holidays than say if your going from england,scotland.ive been looking at flight only for oct or next may and im being quoted between 260 and 329 sterling and same price applies to the kids.

[karen]

Good price but why so cheap, i would be asking.

Prices are going up not down, well in Scotland they are.

[fat fred]

I've stayed away from the tour ops for the last 2 years, if you are lucky enough to be close to an airport that Ryanair, Easyjet, XL etc. fly from ( we are 3 miles from Shannon airport where Ryanair fly to Fuerteventura and Tenerife as well as Faro in Portugal and 2 or 3 airports in Spain ) then you can get a good deal. We're going to Fuerteventura in October for a week just carrying hand luggage and got it for Euro 251 for 2 of us ( booked just after Christmas) Owen and Angela organised an apartment for us for a week for about the same. All in all you cannot complain about a week in the sun for just over Euro 500 ( GBP 350ish)

Did the same in July to the Algarve and made significant savings compared to the Tour Ops.

[martin norwich]

we fly out in november for 1wk flights were 482 for 6 from gatwick with easyjet and accomodation 287 so allin all a cheap hols :boozy:

[_Victoria_]

For 6 people? That's a good deal!

[Holly Dayze]

I'm about to pay £400 for one return flight!!!!! :eyebrow:

[BigBaz]

I'm about to pay £400 for one return flight!!!!! :eyebrow:

Don't do it ,,,,,,, just keep hangin off we have seen the price's from EDI to LPA drop almost £100 in the last month ..............

Middle of last month £540 now when i looked same flight's are £429 so. . . . . . . . . . guess thats more than £100

Well it is late and i been a busy laddie

:boozy:

:boozy:

:boozy:

[Holly Dayze]

hmmmm It's for New Year though, so I doubt prices will come down.

And interestingly, the cheapest flight I've found is with Thomas Cook, who are about £50 less than Flyglobespan, supposedly the cheap airline.

[MARCUS]

Things are " dangerously quiet " quite a few hotels in Puerto Rico and playa are closed. All resorts are quiet ! The tourists that do come here seem to have " no money to spend "
The two major tour operators are putting there " flight only " prices as high as possible to try and force the small internet companies " out of the game"
A few of the bars are busy but most are on a " knifes edge"

The good news is ........." the weather is gorgeous " !!!!
Mr M x
:glasses:

[Sunshine girl]

I think the bad exchange rate will put people off as a lot more spending money will be needed than before....I say "people"..not me! but then I don't have kids to cater for anymore

[Lucy]

...plus of course the "credit crunch" here in the UK won't help matters and on top of that the crappy Euro rates , as even when people can scrape the money together to go on hols what little money they have to spend is worth much less!

I've noticed a considerable difference over the years of visiting GC...things just aren't as cheap as they were....:no:

As Sunshine girl said though, it wouldn't deter me from going but it's getting more of a stretch now!!

[rab_c.]

I think what people are forgetting is that the uk is only a small percentage of visitors to the canaries.
the majority is made up of europeans already dealing in the euro
for eg france, germany etc who say credit crunch what credit crunch watch this space. I believe places like the balkans, hungary etc will head in to recession bank loans etc to these countries plus the usa problems are what has hit the uk. as many uk banks have sanctioned loans to these areas as massive future invetments building apts etc. the rbs for one :blue: say no more

when the credit crunch bounces in france,germany,belgium etc and the uk demands bank loans back what will happen????????????
at the end of it all gran canaria will survive.
pheeeew feel better for that now lol.

[bfrank]

At the end of the day,all in all,and when all's said and done,it still costs less for 2wks in GC than 2wks in the UK, £4per drink £6per pack of ciggies+you have to stand out in the peeing rain to smoke them.....Hotel by the sea (oil slick included),must be over a grand for 2wks, get your selves over here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wink:...

[rab_c.]

At the end of the day,all in all,and when all's said and done,it still costs less for 2wks in GC than 2wks in the UK, £4per drink £6per pack of ciggies+you have to stand out in the peeing rain to smoke them.....Hotel by the sea (oil slick included),must be over a grand for 2wks, get your selves over here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wink:...

totally agree................who,s round is it lol

[martin norwich]

a friend has just paid £800+ for 2wks at haven in a tent

[karen]

I paid £500 for a week in a caravan in Newquay and it rained the whole week. Dont want to add up how much we spent on food and entertaining the wee one.

6 weeks ish back to PR. :boozy:

[Alan T]

At the end of the day,all in all,and when all's said and done,it still costs less for 2wks in GC than 2wks in the UK, £4per drink £6per pack of ciggies+you have to stand out in the peeing rain to smoke them.....Hotel by the sea (oil slick included),must be over a grand for 2wks, get your selves over here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wink:...

Dunno where you get your info from Pete, you must be talking about darn sarrf....... local workies club = around a pound a pint, £2.50 for double Smirnoff and bottled coke. As for price of fags/baccy... if bought legitimate yes lol

Must admit though, standing out in the "cooler air" having a smoke is a bit of a pain. Fortunately, a lot of pubs here (I'm only talking about local) have undercover smoking areas. Those that don't are feeling the pinch.

As for PR itself, I feel that it's day has been and gone. Apart from the die-hards with rose-tinted glasses, the world is one's oyster to coin a phrase. Far better places out there to visit and explore. I would imagine that first-time visitors these days are less likely to return due to the place obviously dying on it's feet.

I'll just go and slip on my flak jacket.

[_Victoria_]

As for PR itself, I feel that it's day has been and gone. Apart from the die-hards with rose-tinted glasses, the world is one's oyster to coin a phrase. Far better places out there to visit and explore. I would imagine that first-time visitors these days are less likely to return due to the place obviously dying on it's feet.


Personally I prefer to take holidays in different places each time, rather than go to the same place every year but I know not everybody wants that. But if a place seems on the decline, maybe even they will change their minds.

I agree with whoever said that it's not just UK visitors who come here and European countries already using the euro don't have to convert currency at unfavourable rates like the Brits are having to do.

That doesn't change the fact it is very quiet though, considering we are supposed to be in the middle of the peak season. I work in the harbour and I only spoke to 10 people yesterday in the 8 hours I was at the desk! Compare that to 5 years ago when I wouldn't have had the time to read a whole book (like I did yesterday) or beat the laptop 5 nil at chess (OK so it beat me but that's beside the point... and it cheats).

[coolcreen]

For anyone who lives in Western Europe, want to limit flight duration to about 4 hours and want almost guaranteed sunshine between the months of October and March, there is little to compete with the Canary Islands. Southern Morocco and Egypt are it's only competitors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages over the Canaries.

Its strongest competitors over recent years have been to the long-haul destinations. I can see the Canaries recovering some of this business in the foreseeable future for two reasons:-
· Increased cost of oil is making long distance travel very expensive
· Reduced disposable income for travel to the far-flung exotic destinations due to the credit crunch and shrinking economies.

Remaining competitive coupled with good service cannot be over-emphasised however.
Over the last 4 years, I have introduced Puerto Rico to about 25 people in the younger age group of 18 to 26. Almost all of them were largely happy and would go back or have had repeat visits. I had only one that said that he definitely would not go back. He got conned in one of the camera shops. I would describe a 24:1 satisfaction rating as good.
While prices have gone up in the Canaries over the last few years, I think that it still represents very good value for your Pound/Euro. Since they import almost everything except the Sunshine, it is very difficult for them to keep their price static.

Three visits to Puerto Rico per year keeps me a happy punter. Long may it continue. Roll on November.

[steve]

All we want from our holiday is sunshine, a few beers, and somewhere to kick back and do bugg€r all for two weeks, not bothered about the exchange rate or whether the resort is quiet or not..just some R&R for two weeks is all I ask..all this at just over four hours flying, so PR will do for me (this year).

Cheers all.

:boozy:

[rab_c.]

All we want from our holiday is sunshine, a few beers, and somewhere to kick back and do bugg€r all for two weeks, not bothered about the exchange rate or whether the resort is quiet or not..just some R&R for two weeks is all I ask..all this at just over four hours flying, so PR will do for me (this year).

Cheers all.

:boozy:

R&R hmmmmmmmmmm think that can be easily spoiled lol

[BoBo]

Canary holiday market collapsed,...
Thats fore sure for many familys the amount of many they can afford/spend on a holiday has been redused in the last 2-4 years! BUT as I see it from "Scandinavian point of view"...= (not me, but my son 32 years and doughter 31 years "and their friends view". We have to earn our money so; why should I go to "your ages peoples Gran Canaria" when we can go to Thailand for the same price!....AND eating in Thai costs some 2-5€ a day when you pay 50€ a day. The boose is as cheep and the hotel/bar/restaurant personal does what ever you ask them! AND the hole living is much cheaper!
...and does the fly tickets to "the east" cost as much as to the Canaries?.... Dont have the answers AND I have to admit 10 hour flight and 6 hour fight is about the same from Finland. AND 2 weeks i 4/5 stars hotel in ..Thailand costs for 2 weeks aprox. the same or less than 2 weeks in PR or Playa Ingles.
Think thats one reason why The Canaries want get as many tourists as before.:eyebrow:

[_Victoria_]

Thailand is a good holiday option. I backpacked and stayed in basic accommodation for 3 euros a day and paid no more than 3 euros for an awesome dinner each evening. I didn't go to mainstream resorts but they'd bit slightly more. I actually went in the rainy season but it was still hot (and I hadn't seen rain for ages!) Obviously you can choose when you go if you want hot sun and nothing else for a week.

I assumed the cost of flights to Thailand was far more expensive than flights to here though but I haven't checked so can't say for sure.

But yes there are many options to choose from if you are looking for a summer (or winter) break. The world is a global village now.

Nowadays people can go wherever they choose. I have seen cheap holidays to the USA, to the Caribbean and to Mexico. There are good things (and bad things) about each resort obviously. There are die-hard "it's Gran Canaria or nothing" tourists but also those who will go "wherever is cheapest and warm".

[MARCUS]

My flight to Thailand cost me 520 pounds with British Airways. I travelled about and paid about 10 euros a night for my hotel room (4 star with aircon and seaview) i never paid more than 1 euro for my evening meal (keeping away from the tourist places) I took an 11 hour train journey on the " Bangkok Sprinter" (it didn't sprint much.) at 10 euros and an internal flight (1 hour 10 mins) for 20 euros.
Oh and i had my teeth whitened with " The new cool blue light lazer whitening system" at a cool 120 euros.(perhaps you could admire my honesty viewers.)
Photos attached are of
1. " My Teeth"
2. " a vision of delight "

[_Victoria_]

I'm not sure about the "vision of delight" but your teeth look great!!

[BigBaz]

There are die-hard "it's Gran Canaria or nothing" tourists but also those who will go "wherever is cheapest and warm".


30 Aug 08 30 Aug 08 Flight (GSM317) GLASGOW - FARO 2 0 0
06:00 / 09:35
30 Aug 08 06 Sep 08 Accom 3* PRESIDENTE APARTMENTS (SELF CATERING (ALGARVE)) SELF CATERING 2 0 0
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT (x 1)
06 Sep 08 06 Sep 08 Flight (GSM318) FARO - GLASGOW 2 0 0
10:05 / 13:30

ADULT PRICE 345.31 2 690.62
RETURN COACH TRANSFER 20.00 2 40.00
SPECIAL OFFER -14.44 2 -28.88
TAXES/FEES/CHARGES 27.00 2 54.00
APC-ATOL PROTECTION CONTRIBUTION 1.00 2 2.00
Total Cost: 757.74
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

30 Aug 08 30 Aug 08 Flight (GSM323) EDINBURGH - ALICANTE 2 0 0
15:45 / 19:45
30 Aug 08 06 Sep 08 Accom 2* PLAYAMAR (SELF CATERING (BENIDORM)) SELF CATERING 2 0 0
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT (x 1)
06 Sep 08 06 Sep 08 Flight (GSM324) ALICANTE - EDINBURGH 2 0 0
20:20 / 22:30
Description Total
ADULT PRICE 413.42 2 826.84
RETURN COACH TRANSFER 15.00 2 30.00
SPECIAL OFFER -18.93 2 -37.86
TAXES/FEES/CHARGES 22.00 2 44.00
APC-ATOL PROTECTION CONTRIBUTION 1.00 2 2.00

Total Cost: 864.98
Credit card fees charged: Visa/Mastercard 2.5%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

30 Aug 08 30 Aug 08 Flight (GSM561) EDINBURGH - GRAN CANARIA (LAS PALMAS) 2 0 0
16:30 / 21:15
30 Aug 08 06 Sep 08 Accom 2* NIDO DEL AGUILA (SELF CATERING (GRAN CANARIA)) SELF CATERING 2 0 0
ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT (x 1)
06 Sep 08 07 Sep 08 Flight (GSM562) GRAN CANARIA (LAS PALMAS) - EDINBURGH 2 0 0
22:00 / 02:40
Description Total
ADULT PRICE 262.86 2 525.72
RETURN COACH TRANSFER 16.00 2 32.00
SPECIAL OFFER -5.38 2 -10.76
TAXES/FEES/CHARGES 28.00 2 56.00
APC-ATOL PROTECTION CONTRIBUTION 1.00 2 2.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Cost: 604.96
Credit card fees charged: Visa/Mastercard 2.5%


Ok just been lookin so it still looks like GC is still a cheaper way to go

Well from up here it is

[karen]

Dunno where you get your info from Pete, you must be talking about darn sarrf....... local workies club = around a pound a pint, £2.50 for double Smirnoff and bottled coke. As for price of fags/baccy... if bought legitimate yes lol

Must admit though, standing out in the "cooler air" having a smoke is a bit of a pain. Fortunately, a lot of pubs here (I'm only talking about local) have undercover smoking areas. Those that don't are feeling the pinch.

As for PR itself, I feel that it's day has been and gone. Apart from the die-hards with rose-tinted glasses, the world is one's oyster to coin a phrase. Far better places out there to visit and explore. I would imagine that first-time visitors these days are less likely to return due to the place obviously dying on it's feet.

I'll just go and slip on my flak jacket.

Think i better get myself a new pair of sunglasses. :tongue:

[BigBaz]

Just don't fall asleep with them on Karen or u'll end up lookin like

MrsPTP:crazy_love:

[bfrank]

(As for PR itself, I feel that it's day has been and gone. Apart from the die-hards with rose-tinted glasses, the world is one's oyster to coin a phrase. Far better places out there to visit and explore. I would imagine that first-time visitors these days are less likely to return due to the place obviously dying on it's feet (posted by ALAN T.)

I still keep in touch with people in GB ... not everyone lives oop norrf, it was £2.80 a pint Fosters 10 year ago. As for this place dying on its feet thousands upon thousands of euros are being spent on PR alone also, bar and
restaurant owners are investing in new electrics,what it doesn't need are paper hats slagging it off!!!!!:veryangry:

THANKS STEVE..... SORRY K.T.

[steve]

Think you meant Alan T. Pete not KT

See ya in four weeks:boozy:

[bfrank]

Think you meant Alan T. Pete not KT

See ya in four weeks:boozy:
WELL SPOTTED STEVE...... See how I get myself in trouble :blush:....

[rab_c.]

Dunno where you get your info from Pete, you must be talking about darn sarrf....... local workies club = around a pound a pint, £2.50 for double Smirnoff and bottled coke. As for price of fags/baccy... if bought legitimate yes lol

Must admit though, standing out in the "cooler air" having a smoke is a bit of a pain. Fortunately, a lot of pubs here (I'm only talking about local) have undercover smoking areas. Those that don't are feeling the pinch.

As for PR itself, I feel that it's day has been and gone. Apart from the die-hards with rose-tinted glasses, the world is one's oyster to coin a phrase. Far better places out there to visit and explore. I would imagine that first-time visitors these days are less likely to return due to the place obviously dying on it's feet.

I'll just go and slip on my flak jacket.

Hhmmmmmmm what an outlook standing outside in the rain smoking contraband ciggies at a working mens club somewhere near alant. drinking voddie at the same price you can get a bottle in pr for.
and ciggies at a legal price (cough cough) oops sorry i dont smoke.
anyway my glasses have lovely scottish saltires on them not in to them rose tinted ones and strangely for a place dying on its feet the canaries are still in the top 5 most popular holiday destinations to visit in the world.
sorry alan its not a flak jacket you need to slip on but one of them canary banana skins at the end of the day its the weather, company and relaxation we enjoy and pr does that for us:wink:

[mary]

Tourist numbers up for Canaries

The number of tourists who holidayed in the Canaries during the first half of 2008 was up almost 5% compared to the same period last year, according to latest figures.



Canary Islands - 18.08.2008 - Of the 26.6 million who visited Spain up to the end of June, 4.7 milllion came to the Canaries, putting the region in second spot behind Catalonia in the league table. The Canaries attracted 600,000 tourists more than traditional rival the Balearics, where the number was up by just 2.3%.

www.news-canarias.net and GCI

Now the Canaries isnt just Gran Canaria and the figures cover all the islands (La Palma has a new airport and new direct flights, so they've got some of the extra numbers) But people do still love us.............
and considering that - as always - people are being evacuated from Florida Keys in front of the suspected hurricanes (dont get those here)
they are being evacuated from Georgia in light of the war (dont get that here either)
Gran Canaria isnt the be all and end all of travel and there are those amongst us that like to see other parts of the world (Marcus for one) but it is there, the sun shines and its safe for most.

[karen]

"local workies club = around a pound a pint, £2.50 for double Smirnoff and bottled coke. As for price of fags/baccy... if bought legitimate yes lol"

We popped out tonight for a couple of drinks before hitting the Cinema.
£6.10 for a smirnoff ice and a blue wkd! Thought I had misheard. PR prices are good for me.:crazy_love:

[Alan T]

(As for PR itself, I feel that it's day has been and gone. Apart from the die-hards with rose-tinted glasses, the world is one's oyster to coin a phrase. Far better places out there to visit and explore. I would imagine that first-time visitors these days are less likely to return due to the place obviously dying on it's feet (posted by ALAN T.)

I still keep in touch with people in GB ... not everyone lives oop norrf, it was £2.80 a pint Fosters 10 year ago. As for this place dying on its feet thousands upon thousands of euros are being spent on PR alone also, bar and
restaurant owners are investing in new electrics,what it doesn't need are paper hats slagging it off!!!!!:veryangry:

THANKS STEVE..... SORRY K.T.

Ooops. Sorry, forgot you had a bar to sell. :)

[K T]

(As for PR itself, I feel that it's day has been and gone. Apart from the die-hards with rose-tinted glasses, the world is one's oyster to coin a phrase. Far better places out there to visit and explore. I would imagine that first-time visitors these days are less likely to return due to the place obviously dying on it's feet (posted by ALAN T.)

I still keep in touch with people in GB ... not everyone lives oop norrf, it was £2.80 a pint Fosters 10 year ago. As for this place dying on its feet thousands upon thousands of euros are being spent on PR alone also, bar and
restaurant owners are investing in new electrics,what it doesn't need are paper hats slagging it off!!!!!:veryangry:

THANKS STEVE..... SORRY K.T.

Wondered what I had done now....:tinysmile_fatgrin_t

Might as well add my tuppence worth while I'm here.

G.C. cost of living is still cheaper than here in the UK...or should I say RIP OFF BRITAIN.
I know where I will be going for my next holiday. Puerto Rico...in Jan 09
and I'll be meeting up with all the people I meet every January....so it can't be all that bad.....can it ?????????????

K T

[bfrank]

Ooops. Sorry, forgot you had a bar to sell. :)
AND A BLOODY GOOD ONE AT THAT!!!!! P.S. thank's for the free advert..

[Alan T]

(As for PR itself, I feel that it's day has been and gone. Apart from the die-hards with rose-tinted glasses, the world is one's oyster to coin a phrase. Far better places out there to visit and explore. I would imagine that first-time visitors these days are less likely to return due to the place obviously dying on it's feet (posted by ALAN T.)

I still keep in touch with people in GB ... not everyone lives oop norrf, it was £2.80 a pint Fosters 10 year ago. As for this place dying on its feet thousands upon thousands of euros are being spent on PR alone also, bar and
restaurant owners are investing in new electrics,what it doesn't need are paper hats slagging it off!!!!!:veryangry:
I wasn't "slagging" any bar in particular off, merely making an informed opinion based on my recent excursions to PR. My comments were purely my own personal opinion.

I don't wish to generalise, or indeed get into a slagging match with anybody, but in recent years this forum has evolved from a site that mainly dealt with genuine reports from holiday-makers on their experience in PR and other resorts, good or bad. These days if an opinion is given that isn't liked by the likes of yourself (a local trying to earn a living) or by regular die-hard visitors the poster is accused of "slagging off" the place.

While I understand the likes of yourself being upset by anything posted that might harm trade in PR, I find it ridiculous that nothing can be said that may not be to some people's liking without being attacked by a reply such as yours.

Sorry Pete, but I think your out of order.

Al

[russ]

bloody hell a row on here and i aint involved. must admit it is quiet at the mo taking about 40 percent less than last year. its only cause the euro is bad and the rio sol is closed. when the rio sol opens there will be another 1000 odd people around europa, only problem is that time of year is mainly bloody skandis lol

[_Victoria_]

It is totally dead in the harbour. Lluisa (my colleague) spoke to 3 people this morning, I spoke to 4 this afternoon. Normally it's at least 50!!! I have sold 2 tickets in 3 days! Fortunately I have my articles to keep me going in the mornings, even if I can think of more interesting things to do than write 2500 words about why everyone needs a robotic vacuum cleaner with artificial intelligence that screams when it gets trapped in a rug tassel.

[Stephen]

I wasn't "slagging" any bar in particular off, merely making an informed opinion based on my recent excursions to PR. My comments were purely my own personal opinion.

I don't wish to generalise, or indeed get into a slagging match with anybody, but in recent years this forum has evolved from a site that mainly dealt with genuine reports from holiday-makers on their experience in PR and other resorts, good or bad. These days if an opinion is given that isn't liked by the likes of yourself (a local trying to earn a living) or by regular die-hard visitors the poster is accused of "slagging off" the place.

While I understand the likes of yourself being upset by anything posted that might harm trade in PR, I find it ridiculous that nothing can be said that may not be to some people's liking without being attacked by a reply such as yours.

Sorry Pete, but I think your out of order.

Al

Totally agree AlanT best bit of sense spoken on this forum for ages

:boozy::boozy::boozy:

[oor wullie]

A row starting woopie...bring back Debbie Duck...Seriously (?) i was doing my home work on next years holiday , and as the missus is approaching a special birthday (100) i thought of booking something a little different whilst checking out the cost of our annual PR holiday. And to be honest ... two weeks in Las Vagas is not going to cost that much more than 4 star in GC. Of course once we are there, will would have almost 2 dollars to the pound against a poor euro exchange rate..the truth is PR is not the cheap holiday it was.. still a very nice place to go but not the bargin it used to be...

[_Victoria_]

Absolutely true, I don't know why people keep denying it.

[Lucy]

hmm..."bring back Debbie Duck"??......what makes you think she went anywhere, oor wullie?:angryfire::wink:

Anyway, getting back to the subject, I love Gran Canaria with a passion like many folk and I know it's not everyone's cup of tea going somewhere year after year, but there is something about the place that for me you can't get anywhere else (well nowhere else I've been!) plus, travelling alone I really feel safe there after 10 years. I think the bottom line is that yes, it has it's ups and downs, but you will try to go the extra mile with your wallet (if you are fortunate enough to be able to) when it's a place you really love and worth every cent...

[oor wullie]

hmm..."bring back Debbie Duck"??......what makes you think she went anywhere, oor wullie?:angryfire::wink:

Anyway, getting back to the subject, I love Gran Canaria with a passion like many folk and I know it's not everyone's cup of tea going somewhere year after year, but there is something about the place that for me you can't get anywhere else (well nowhere else I've been!) plus, travelling alone I really feel safe there after 10 years. I think the bottom line is that yes, it has it's ups and downs, but you will try to go the extra mile with your wallet (if you are fortunate enough to be able to) when it's a place you really love and worth every cent...
Debbie Duck is still here using an alias???? got to be Tammie..she's as nutty as a fruit cake..

[rab_c.]

A row starting woopie...bring back Debbie Duck...Seriously (?) i was doing my home work on next years holiday , and as the missus is approaching a special birthday (100) i thought of booking something a little different whilst checking out the cost of our annual PR holiday. And to be honest ... two weeks in Las Vagas is not going to cost that much more than 4 star in GC. Of course once we are there, will would have almost 2 dollars to the pound against a poor euro exchange rate..the truth is PR is not the cheap holiday it was.. still a very nice place to go but not the bargin it used to be...

dont need debbie duck when we have a donald duck a few threads back lol.
however totally agree pr is not the bargain it used to be but!!! then neither is anywhere in europe with the euro.
best deals now are as wullie says to the usa or mexico where you are getting a/i for the same price as a/i in europe well a few hundred more but that balances out with the strong dollar.
to be honest its where the heart takes you we have considered going across the big pond often for a wee jaunt but!! the long haul flight plus hurricanes kinda hold us back.
OH AND WULLIE TAMMIE IS TO NICE TO BE THAT HORRID DEBBIE DUCK.
and yes debbie duck is still here under another alias but the similiar posts give the person away lol. your secret is safe xxxx

[freixie]

hmm..."bring back Debbie Duck"??......what makes you think she went anywhere, oor wullie?:angryfire::wink:

Anyway, getting back to the subject, I love Gran Canaria with a passion like many folk and I know it's not everyone's cup of tea going somewhere year after year, but there is something about the place that for me you can't get anywhere else (well nowhere else I've been!) plus, travelling alone I really feel safe there after 10 years. I think the bottom line is that yes, it has it's ups and downs, but you will try to go the extra mile with your wallet (if you are fortunate enough to be able to) when it's a place you really love and worth every cent...


Sorry, I have no idea what the 'Debbie Duck' reference is about, but I have to agree with Lucy about Gran Canaria.

My first holiday to PR was on my own, and I too felt really safe, and was looked after by the Hotel Staff. Been going back ever since, with my Sister and then with my new Partner, and yes I am sorry to say that I have found that PR has gone quiet.

But, the atmosphere of the Island is still there, and I still feel like I have come home again as soon as I step out of the Aircraft!

I am certain GC will recover, but it does not help with airlines deciding in their wisdom (?) to stop flying there.

[chorlton]

Don't think we aren't aware when people re-register under a different name. However that is why we now have the infractions in place and Redswan is not afraid to use them!

Keep the thread on track please.

[karen]

After what happened in Madrid this week I dont think all this is really relevant anymore.

So many people have lost their loved ones and we are bickering amongst ourselves. :veryangry:

[oor wullie]

Karen we are not bickering , we are having a heated debate about things we care about.. Life goes on . :boozy:
(Why are you in orange??)

[_Victoria_]

Of course life goes on. What happened in Madrid was dreadful but we can still discuss other stuff.

[coolcreen]

Yes, life goes on, but we must spare a thought for all of the Gran Canarian families who have lost a family member, a neighbour or a friend. It must have a terrible effect on the island, given it's small population. While tourism is extremely important to the island, that is not their prime concern at this time.
When Liam started this thread, he was simply asking the question, has tourist numbers dropped in the Canarias? While I respect the opinions of Russ and Marcus who see things as they really are, I sometimes wonder, has the tourist numbers dropped or has the way in which they use the resorts changed.
The commercial centres have become quieter and the Europa centre is seriously effected by the closure of the Rio Sol.
Quieter commercial centres is not always a barometer of tourist numbers. From my discussions with other fellow travellers:

More tourists are eating and drinking within the complexes in which they are residing, some never venture out, not even to the beach.
Others drink and sometimes eat in the balcony, cannot afford to go out every night, limited budget (practice not confined to the Scandinavians).
Since the resorts have expanded (suspect that the Puerto Rico/Amadores area has increased in size by about 30% since we first visited it in 2000) it therefore appears less crowded.
Discretionary spending such as boat trips and tours are less likely to be taken up when money is tight.
Since every flight that I have been on over the last 8 years has been full or almost full, the question is, has the number of flights per year to Las Palmas, increased, decreased, or remained the same. That should answer the question that Liam raised re visitor numbers.

How much they spend, or the way in which they spend it is another matter. Traditionally, most British and Irish people went to the pub to socialise and drink. Due to drink-driving laws, the smoking ban, and the price of drink, there has been a gradual swing towards socialising in their homes. Maybe this practice continues while on holiday. If this is the case, are there too many pubs in the resorts?

[rab_c.]

the post by coolcreen is very well put and within it lies most of the answers to the original question
has flights decreased well not from scotland they have actually increased by 2 weekly flights in the last ten years easily answered as an airport employee although I cannot speak for my southern friends local airports.

new hotels such as the riu, marina suites morasol. dunas amadores and gloria palace are always full a good few are a/i with plenty activities available which are designed to keep tourists in their complexes.
the rio sol being closed is a major factor in the quietness at the europa
as for the commercial centre the electric cut offs plus over active prs were a major factor there and contributed to many tourists changing their ways eating and drinking in their apts. but that is my own opinion.

We have noticed it becoming quieter at nights over the years but in my wanders around pr during the day to the hotels beaches etc it is always crowded around the aforementioned complexes plus another is the terrazamar sunsuites very popular with entertainment. many of the bars are still busy but there does seem to be far too many bars in pr.
another major factor is the euro at an all time low which is not just affecting the canaries but all of europe.

the duty free allowances is a stumbling block for tourist to the canaries imagine how tourists feel when they get home from the canaries with their small 200 ciggies they are allowed and their neighbours just back from the balearics or mainland spain have their cases stashed full of cigs due to these areas being a part of the eu. the savings on duty free almost pays another holiday if your health allows you another one after smoking all them ciggies or supping the bottles of cabardi lol.

[oor wullie]

Coolcreen is probably correct.maybe the numbers aren't down ,just that people are changing their habbits. It's obivous that the big all inc. Hotels sprouting up will take people away from the centres. So i guess it's the bars and returaunts in these centres that are struggling rather that the Island. But then as Victoria says, not many are going to the Harbour. Maybe people are spending all their time in the big hotels?? Not my idea of a fun holiday, but there you go...

[russ]

so when did everyone start believing government figures, they can say anything. there are a lot less tourists here now and there was 10 years ago. plus alot less people living here and working here. its not just in rico or playa, loads of people coming over from tenerife etc looking for work and then going back to uk as there aint any.

the all inc dont really bother me too much as i get quite alot in from them as most normal people dont wanna spend there whole holiday sat in one plastic chair in a hotel pool bar playing german bingo lol

[ABERDEEN LASS]

:boozy:

Been reading everyone's comments with great interest... so i would just like to say....

I have been going over to Gran Canaria, Puerto Rico to be exact for a long time, and go at least twice a year..So from a 'tourists' point of view.. Why do I do this??

Well for me, it's not just the price of the holiday that decides it for me, recession or not, I like to go somewhere where i feel welcome, has a fabulous climate, gorgeous beaches and great banter...Every single holiday i have had in Pr, i have loved/enjoyed every minute of..

At least I know, if i go to PR, i know that i will enjoy myself, mainly because of the great people who work there, in the bars etc... they make my holiday....Maybe i am sad, maybe i am in a rut, but i really dont mind spending my hard earned cash going to PR everytime.. regardless the cost etc...it just means i have to save a little bit more....

I just love it....:tinysmile_fatgrin_t

[MacTaliy]

Aberdeen Lass, you are the type of tourist I see mostly in the centre, the diehards who love it and will come back 2/3 times a year just cause they like it, and thanks for doing that, the great many of you who do... I am forever grateful and humbled by your constant support.
Tourist figures, I'm afraid don't mean a thing, figures anywhere can be adapted to read what you want them to.
It can't just be me that's noticed this... the Europa isn't quiet.....
look at all the apartments .... full.....
now, look at the type of tourist at the Europa......... the area, not the centre only...... the type of tourist we have now has changed, mainly Spanish/ Canarian.... when I came out here all those years ago, I had never spoke to a Spaniard who didn't live here, now it's full of Spanish holiday makers.The Canarians come here loaded with their gear for 2/4 weeks.... don't use many bars. The Spanish, perhaps use the bars a little more, we've had quite a few... but as a nation are not big pub drinkers. The tourists who made Puerto Rico rich, funbusy and famous, British, with a wad of savings , where when anyone wanted a drink, crisps, trips etc wanted them, got them..... now the holidays cost too much, the wad of savings is halved, and people have to watch the money.

The influx of British family tourists at summer especially, has diminished and spread through better, newer resorts.

New tourists to Puerto Rico, are few , and normally don't return, for various reasons.
Mixing nationalities in apartments does not work. Canarians come to the south in august and use the left over apartments that tour companies have not sold, this mix has caused quite heated arguements at poolsides, I often hear.
Spanair was scaling, or was it stopping Canaries flights anyway, before the tragic sad accident, so was there anyway for next year a reduction in Spanish tourism planned?

[chorlton]

I guess we must be in that same "rut" as Aberdeen Lass as I've been coming to the resort for over 12 years first with mates and now with family.

Price is not a driver for us - its the fact that we know within 10 mins of stepping foot in wherever we are staying be it AI or a 1* apartment that we can begin to unwind and switch off. Like most people on here we're not working 50 hours a week for the good of our health but to fund the things we do with our time off.

Whilst heading off to explore new places is fun and we do that too - we know that for complete relaxation we head back to somewhere we know has guaranteed sun (well apart from a really bad week in December one year), good food, nice people and even with the rotten euro rate is still cheaper than home.

I genuinely can't see us heading anywhere else for our sunshine breaks anytime soon (although I do have my eye on Florida for some time with the Mouse next year!).

[Stuartied]

Puerto Rico best place to chill out for 2 weeks!
Sure beats staying in Aberdeen....

[ABERDEEN LASS]

Puerto Rico best place to chill out for 2 weeks!
Sure beats staying in Aberdeen....

:blush:

Ha ha.... Aye, for sure!!!

[Sunshine girl]

still struggle to find a sunbed at Amadores beach at certain times of the day.....and these are all extra compared to when it was just PR beach..even Puerto Mogan now has a more modernised bit of beach than it used to have

[Owen]

Debbie Duck is still here using an alias???? got to be Tammie..she's as nutty as a fruit cake..

This is directed at everyone:-

I know a few people who are registering under different names but I also know they are doing it as they get themselves involved in an argument with one or two regulars and get hammered into the ground.

They come back to try and start afresh but get hammered again.

One the one hand, they shouldn't get into an argument on a thread in the first place, secondly, if a personal comment is to be made just for that member and no use to anyone else it should be a PM and thirdly, the regulars shouldn't be hammering anyone into the ground.

I haven't checked my PMs in a while but I have a few PMs from people complaining or wanting to be deleted because of a few arguments going on recently.

Just a reminder, don't attack anyone in a forum, argue with their views by all means but anything else should be a PM to that member or a complaint to me or a mod.

[Owen]

I wasn't "slagging" any bar in particular off, merely making an informed opinion based on my recent excursions to PR. My comments were purely my own personal opinion.

I don't wish to generalise, or indeed get into a slagging match with anybody, but in recent years this forum has evolved from a site that mainly dealt with genuine reports from holiday-makers on their experience in PR and other resorts, good or bad. These days if an opinion is given that isn't liked by the likes of yourself (a local trying to earn a living) or by regular die-hard visitors the poster is accused of "slagging off" the place.

While I understand the likes of yourself being upset by anything posted that might harm trade in PR, I find it ridiculous that nothing can be said that may not be to some people's liking without being attacked by a reply such as yours.


Al

I agree too

[rab_c.]

This is directed at everyone:-

I know a few people who are registering under different names but I also know they are doing it as they get themselves involved in an argument with one or two regulars and get hammered into the ground.

They come back to try and start afresh but get hammered again.

One the one hand, they shouldn't get into an argument on a thread in the first place, secondly, if a personal comment is to be made just for that member and no use to anyone else it should be a PM and thirdly, the regulars shouldn't be hammering anyone into the ground.

I haven't checked my PMs in a while but I have a few PMs from people complaining or wanting to be deleted because of a few arguments going on recently.

Just a reminder, don't attack anyone in a forum, argue with their views by all means but anything else should be a PM to that member or a complaint to me or a mod.

sorry but!!! I agree to disagree with your comments. owen.....firstly tell me one person that has been hammered and came back to start afresh and been hammered unjustly. surely that is a person out to cause arguments with regulars under various aliases and there are a few of those.and if you know these people who are getting hammered after causing arguments then why are you allowing them to return under a new alias to create havoc.

youve not checked your pms in a while.......that is bad customer services is it not.

rant over:veryangry:

[Dolly Dimple]

This is directed at everyone:-

I know a few people who are registering under different names but I also know they are doing it as they get themselves involved in an argument with one or two regulars and get hammered into the ground.

They come back to try and start afresh but get hammered again.

One the one hand, they shouldn't get into an argument on a thread in the first place, secondly, if a personal comment is to be made just for that member and no use to anyone else it should be a PM and thirdly, the regulars shouldn't be hammering anyone into the ground.

I haven't checked my PMs in a while but I have a few PMs from people complaining or wanting to be deleted because of a few arguments going on recently.

Just a reminder, don't attack anyone in a forum, argue with their views by all means but anything else should be a PM to that member or a complaint to me or a mod.


In total agreement with this.

I was personally attacked for enquiring about "a pint of milk" of all things.

It obviously was seen as petty to this person and viciously ranted about having more to worry about.

Ths person definetly knows who they are aswell as the people that responded to his critiscm with concern

I asked to get the posts deleted as had no place in this forum.
Just a pity that i couldnt ask a question without someone being very rude.!!

[Tammie]

This is directed at everyone:-

I know a few people who are registering under different names but I also know they are doing it as they get themselves involved in an argument with one or two regulars and get hammered into the ground.

They come back to try and start afresh but get hammered again.

One the one hand, they shouldn't get into an argument on a thread in the first place, secondly, if a personal comment is to be made just for that member and no use to anyone else it should be a PM and thirdly, the regulars shouldn't be hammering anyone into the ground.

I haven't checked my PMs in a while but I have a few PMs from people complaining or wanting to be deleted because of a few arguments going on recently.

Just a reminder, don't attack anyone in a forum, argue with their views by all means but anything else should be a PM to that member or a complaint to me or a mod.

I havent been on the forum for a while been busy. I think oor wullie has missed the banter with me and got a bit excited:blink: lol im not debbie duck who ever she is? not had the pleasure and wullie pm with your compliments :tongue: x

[bfrank]

I wasn't "slagging" any bar in particular off, merely making an informed opinion based on my recent excursions to PR. My comments were purely my own personal opinion.

I don't wish to generalise, or indeed get into a slagging match with anybody, but in recent years this forum has evolved from a site that mainly dealt with genuine reports from holiday-makers on their experience in PR and other resorts, good or bad. These days if an opinion is given that isn't liked by the likes of yourself (a local trying to earn a living) or by regular die-hard visitors the poster is accused of "slagging off" the place.

While I understand the likes of yourself being upset by anything posted that might harm trade in PR, I find it ridiculous that nothing can be said that may not be to some people's liking without being attacked by a reply such as yours.

Sorry Pete, but I think your out of order.

Al
I was generalising GC and in particular PR ... YOU put the sarki' comment "oops i forgot you had a bar for sale" you made it personal, so Owen please look at the full picture before you agree, Alan t was out of order by narrowing it all down to our bar!!!! yes it's been quiet , but as Rus pointed out Rio Sol normaly gives us 1000 people per week but we all accept upgrades need to be done.... and things will get better when it re-opens.

[bfrank]

Ooops. Sorry, forgot you had a bar to sell. :)
there .... not made up .... just a few pages back!!!!!! I won't take flak when other people are being asses let's get back to PR and IT'S problems Iwon't say any more as I'll risk a red card :angryfire:...

[Owen]

OK, if I can be more exact then bfrank ....


I don't wish to generalise, or indeed get into a slagging match with anybody, but in recent years this forum has evolved from a site that mainly dealt with genuine reports from holiday-makers on their experience in PR and other resorts, good or bad. These days if an opinion is given that isn't liked by (edited here to add "people") the poster is accused of "slagging off" the place.

..... I find it ridiculous that nothing can be said that may not be to some people's liking without being attacked by a reply such as yours.

Those are the comments I agree with.

Rab - I can name a half dozen people or more, I could name one who was it was known where they lived so they had better watch out, I know members who have been followed over the Internet to other forums and places of chat. Lots of cases where discussions got way out of hand.

If the forum was promoting international terrorism I could understand but for a holiday forum... !!??!!

All I am asking is no posting of uninformative comments. If you disagree with someone, keep it constructive and informative, no personal attacks and if it is to be personal, post a PM. Those have always been the rules and yes, shame on me for not staying on top of them which I will try and do more of now as I could also name a couple of dozen regulars who made a huge input to the forum who no longer visit because of all this.

(rant over)

[rab_c.]

OK, if I can be more exact then bfrank ....



Those are the comments I agree with.

Rab - I can name a half dozen people or more, I could name one who was it was known where they lived so they had better watch out, I know members who have been followed over the Internet to other forums and places of chat. Lots of cases where discussions got way out of hand.

If the forum was promoting international terrorism I could understand but for a holiday forum... !!??!!

All I am asking is no posting of uninformative comments. If you disagree with someone, keep it constructive and informative, no personal attacks and if it is to be personal, post a PM. Those have always been the rules and yes, shame on me for not staying on top of them which I will try and do more of now as I could also name a couple of dozen regulars who made a huge input to the forum who no longer visit because of all this.

(rant over)

yes... that is fair comment owen.......... I still get messages in to my site from a good few and also members on here that are probably the same ones you know and strangely the ip addresses usually match the many I have had over the years and the same ips that forced me to shut down the comments section on my site.

glad to see you are going to stay on top of your pms as this was not a personal gripe but I know a few members who have pmd for info regards apts,transfers etc who have never heard from you and have looked elsewhere..........is it not possible on the apts or transfers section to set up a pm section that will go directly to angela to deal with instead of hitting your hard hit inbox.

back to thread seems a large amount of members are hitting the canaries sept/oct and im certain they will all be meeting up for a wee bash or gatecrashing karens mums burthday doo. hope you all have the same great fun we always have.

[LisaB]

Just wanted to add what I have just paid for Dec 1st with First Choice.
£480.00 which is for two people, 7 nights accommodation in Blue Star, flights from EMA to LPA inc meals and 20KG luggage.

Thought it was very good.

Lisa

[oor wullie]

I became all flusted thinking of Tammie http://www.smilies-smilies.de/smilies/lustige_smilies/lustig19.gif (http://www.snukk.de). She has been busy for a while http://www.smilies-smilies.de/smilies/beruf_smilies/sm.gif (http://www.snukk.de). Ah well !!back on track...i decided against Las Vagas and booked !!!!!!Gran Canaria for a change lol ...with easy jet (had no alternative so give i'll give them a try..(£7.80 for credit card payment , another rip off). Didn't really fancy the 10 hour flight to USA , and apart from one year when it poured down for two weeks PR has never let us down..

[Sunshine girl]

I became all flusted thinking of Tammie http://www.smilies-smilies.de/smilies/lustige_smilies/lustig19.gif (http://www.snukk.de). She has been busy for a while http://www.smilies-smilies.de/smilies/beruf_smilies/sm.gif (http://www.snukk.de). Ah well !!back on track...i decided against Las Vagas and booked !!!!!!Gran Canaria for a change lol ...with easy jet (had no alternative so give i'll give them a try..(£7.80 for credit card payment , another rip off). Didn't really fancy the 10 hour flight to USA , and apart from one year when it poured down for two weeks PR has never let us down..

Wise choice:have-fun:....and so say all of us!

[bfrank]

. Didn't really fancy the 10 hour flight to USA , and apart from one year when it poured down for two weeks PR has never let us down..
Sorry Wullie took out the Tammie bit lol but a few shots a hotdog or a scotch pie with our Carla, thats got to be worth the trip to PR BUGGER THE EXCHANGE RATE!!!!!!! :wink:...

[oor wullie]

The Amadores area is Upmarket and Chic according to the Thomas Cook Channel on Sky TV. The hang out place of the rich and famous. Also the hang out place of Marcus. He struts around the place in his tiny briefs...(where does he put all those cds?)

http://www.amadoresbeachclub.com/

[barnstyke]

No doubt the credit crunch, oil prices and crap exchange rates is have it’s affect on all foreign destinations, not just Gran Canaria. It’ll not affect our trips abroad, just that we may not have as much money to spend as we’ve have had in the past. Stop the wife from buying :veryangry: presents for our kids and family for a start. LOL

Thing is what would we all do without our holidays to look forward to. "GO FLIPPING MAD I'LL TELL YOU":blink: For some it’s a luxury and for others a necessity , I’m the latter.

Daz.:wink:

[rab_c.]

The Amadores area is Upmarket and Chic according to the Thomas Cook Channel on Sky TV. The hang out place of the rich and famous. Also the hang out place of Marcus. He struts around the place in his tiny briefs...(where does he put all those cds?)

http://www.amadoresbeachclub.com/

upmarket and chic..... have you ever seen my celebs pics from the amadores beach club wullie sharing their plush double king sized loungers lol.
marcus with his wee briefs was once mistaken for a bicycle stand as he bent to pick up his cds taking away his cd hidey hole lol.
yup have to say the canary market is ticking away nicely.