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Canary Islands targets over-55s for extended winter breaks

Over-55s from the UK, Ireland and other northern European countries are being encouraged to take extended winter stays in the Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands Tourist Board has initiated a ‘Skip this Season’ campaign across countries including the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Nordic nations and Ireland.

This international initiative primarily targets European citizens over 55, already familiar with the Canaries through brief visits, “and who now possess the time to enjoy a leisurely and unhurried holiday in a destination boasting the most favourable winter climate”. 

The tourist board communication will emphasise a meteorological comparison between their home country and the Canary Islands.

There are estimated to be about 152 million over-55s in Europe known for their flexibility and inclination to travel off season, according to the tourist board.

Targeted individuals will receive predictive messages detailing the most undesirable weather conditions anticipated in their respective regions during winter, such as rainy days, darkness, or low temperatures, contrasted with the anticipated weather in the Canary Islands with an average winter temperature of 20ºC.

A spokesperson added: “Residents of regions with harsh European winters can opt to ‘skip’ a season by experiencing the Canarian winter instead, benefiting from the archipelago’s superior climate and maximising their stay.

“These individuals find themselves in a privileged phase of life, capable of evading the discomforts of the European winter and seizing the opportunity for extended yet finite stays, limited to a single season. 

“Stays ranging from 30 to 90 days are considered feasible during the winter. Their familiarity and high loyalty to the destination position this demographic as a highly promising market for prolonged stays.”

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