The topic has been discussed in the tourism sector in southern Gran Canaria for months, but now the data confirms it: British tourists are abandoning Gran Canaria for Morocco. What began as a trickle is beginning to resemble an exodus, and the word “catastrophe” has already been mentioned by more than one entrepreneur in the southern tourism sector.

According to the latest figures, Morocco’s growth threatens Spain as the emerging destination of choice for Britons this coming winter season. The reasons? Extremely affordable package holidays, newly built hotels, uncrowded beaches, and more premium treatment for visitors than they find in many Spanish tourist destinations. In fact, complaints from tourists proliferate on social media, stating that they “no longer feel welcome” in Spanish destinations.

The south of Gran Canaria, which for decades has been a favorite winter destination for the British market, is watching with concern as Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and other airline giants redesign their routes to strengthen connections with Agadir, Marrakech, and Essaouira.

The United Kingdom is no longer investing in the Canary Islands as it once did. And it is doing so just when tourism growth was expected to continue in the 2025/2026 season to offset the reputational damage caused by the protests against mass tourism in the last year.

Just like This media already reported months agoThe British government and its tour operators have been strengthening their relationship with North Africa for some time, and Morocco is seizing the opportunity with very aggressive offers and an image of modernity and security that confounds those who thought this market was light years away from Spain.