The hotel sector in southern Gran Canaria, with the strategic enclave of Maspalomas at its forefront, is facing a regulatory paradigm shift following the European Parliament's approval of the new package travel directive. This reform, adopted by an overwhelming majority of 537 votes, comes at a critical time for the island, which, according to the Promotur 2025 report, has the highest dependence on package holidays among the archipelago's major islands, with 50,8% of its visitors using this type of travel arrangement.
The new regulations directly impact the core business model of Maspalomas-Costa Canaria, where package holiday tourists spend an average of €1.739, the highest in the Canary Islands. By broadening the definition of "package holiday" to include online bookings—specifically those made within 24 hours—a substantial portion of the digital tour operator offerings that supply the resorts in the south of the island will fall under a much stricter regulatory framework, increasing the guarantee obligations for local providers.
The clause allowing cancellation without penalty due to "extraordinary circumstances" at the point of departure poses a challenge to the stability of demand in Gran Canaria. While the Promotur report highlights that safety (8,94) is the factor most valued by tourists when choosing the island, the new European directive transfers the risk of political or health instability in source markets—such as Germany or the United Kingdom—directly to the bottom line of Canary Island hoteliers, who will have to process refunds within 14 days.
The south of Gran Canaria, where the average tourist spends €1.498 per trip, will be put to the test by the new insolvency and claims rules. Tour operators serving accommodation in Maspalomas will now have to acknowledge complaints within just seven days, in a market where satisfaction with cleanliness (8,23) and the climate (9,16) is high, but where the perception of overcrowding (6,37) remains a point of contention that could fuel future claims under the new legal framework.
The 28-month transposition period offers a window for technical adaptation. However, greater transparency in the use of vouchers and the requirement for cash refunds after 12 months will force hotel chains to adopt a much more conservative treasury management approach. Ultimately, the Maspalomas model, historically robust thanks to tour operators, will have to evolve towards greater administrative agility to protect the profit margin generated by its premium tourist profile.
