Canary Island Tourism: Are We Catering to the Future?

The Millennial Generation, born after 1980, are the future of tourism in the Canary Islands. The blue-faced teenagers of today, hiding behind their mobile devices, will soon be the biggest consumer group in European history. They are starting to pick holiday destinations!

Consequently, attracting the Millennials is vital to the future of our hotels and tourist industry.

They are a different prospect from their parents and even their elder siblings. Millennials have been connected to the internet their whole life. They use their mobile devices for everything from booking hotels and flights to organizing their daily lives and consuming content. They also communicate constantly with their friends via free online video calls. They can’t do this without WiFi!

The older Millennials matured as the economy tanked. Consequently they are used to thrift and expect discounts and freebies as standard. They spend money on useful things that provide long-term value rather than on trophy possessions. Millennials don’t buy flash cars, but they do spend money on the latest mobile device. They expect value for money and to be appreciated when they spend money.

Millennials are highly social online and expect the brands and businesses that they use to have a social media and internet presence. They also expect to be rewarded for their loyalty with discounts and extras.

How to Attract the Millenials

Hotel-wide WiFi is essential for Millennials. If your hotel has it, make it obvious on your website, blog and social media pages. Show photos of people using mobile devices. If your hotel doesn’t have WiFi everywhere GET IT NOW!

Millennials appreciate freebies such as a daily bottle of water in their rooms. It makes them feel appreciated and appeals to their need for good value.

Millennials are social but are used to the structured relationships that form online. They expect hotels to have designated social areas such as lounges and chill out areas. A designated social time every day, including a free bar or glass of sangria, is an excellent way for hotels to cater for the Millennials’ need for structured social time.

Offer discounts and extras to members of your Facebook page and blog readers. This appeals to the Millennials’ need to get value for money and belong to a community.

The Canary Islands have a short time window to attract the Millennial Generation and convert them into loyal fans. Missing the opportunity would be a disaster to the future of our tourist industry.