La Gomera is gearing up for a bustling Semana Santa (Holy Week) in 2025, with the Cabildo de La Gomera reporting a remarkable tourist occupancy rate expected to exceed 95% in accommodations across the island. This surge in visitors, anticipated to surpass 50,000 passengers arriving via maritime and air connections, marks a significant increase over the previous year. The island's president, Casimiro Curbelo, expressed optimism about these projections, emphasizing that Semana Santa solidifies La Gomera's status as a preferred destination for both regional and national tourists seeking a peaceful retreat in a stunning natural environment.
Curbelo noted that the timing of the holiday coincides with the conclusion of the European high tourist season, which has positively impacted the island's economic fabric. He remarked, "These figures are not coincidental but rather the result of a concerted effort to maintain a differentiated offer based on sustainability, quality services, and professionalism in the sector." This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts under the Sustainable Tourist Destination Plan: 'La Gomera, Circular Island,' aimed at promoting responsible tourism.
Maria Isabel Méndez, the Councilor for Tourism, Commerce, and Consumption, highlighted the effectiveness of promotional efforts in various national and international markets. She noted that seven out of ten tourists returning to the island reflects the allure and quality of La Gomera as a travel destination. "We will continue to focus on targeted promotion that values our natural, cultural, and heritage resources, allowing us to grow in an orderly and sustainable manner," she stated.
In a related development, the tourism sector in the Canary Islands recently avoided a potential crisis during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Las Palmas (FEHT), along with other tourism associations, reached an agreement with the CCOO and UGT unions on April 12, 2025, which led to the cancellation of a planned strike on April 17 and 18, coinciding with Semana Santa.
This agreement, which affects Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, includes substantial improvements in worker compensation and job security. The president of FEHT, José María Mañaricua, emphasized the importance of this pact, stating it aims to enhance workers' purchasing power while ensuring the viability of businesses in the tourism sector. The financial implications of the agreement are estimated to exceed 100 million euros for this year alone, directed toward salary increases and social contributions for employees.
The agreement includes a one-time bonus payment of 650 euros for full-time workers, which will be calculated proportionally for part-time employees. This bonus will be distributed with the May 2025 payroll, covering the period from April 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025. However, it is important to note that the restaurant sector is excluded from this bonus.
Furthermore, the existing salary tables will see an increase of 2.75% from April 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, on top of a previously agreed increase of 2.25%. This means that the total salary increase for 2025 will amount to 5%. Looking ahead, salaries are projected to increase by an additional 4% in 2026, with negotiations for the next collective agreement (2026-2029) set to commence in September 2025.
Both employers and unions have expressed a mutual commitment to defending the tourism sector, recognizing its vital role in generating employment, wealth, and tax revenue in the Canary Islands. This collaborative effort underlines the importance of maintaining social peace within the industry, especially during peak periods.
As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, the focus remains on ensuring that La Gomera and the broader Canary Islands remain attractive to visitors while also prioritizing the well-being of workers within the sector. The recent agreements and positive occupancy forecasts suggest a promising outlook for the island, reinforcing its position as a key player in the tourism market.
In conclusion, as La Gomera braces for a busy Semana Santa, the combination of high tourist occupancy rates and the resolution of labor disputes indicates a robust tourism sector poised for growth. The collaborative efforts between local authorities, tourism associations, and unions underscore a shared commitment to sustainability, quality service, and the overall enhancement of the visitor experience.
