Northern Gran Canaria attracts 900,000 annual visitors with alternative tourism

Guía hosts World Tourism Day celebrations, honoring eleven local businesses for their innovation and sustainability.

Stone facade of a traditional Canarian town hall with a balcony under sunlight.
IA

Stone facade of a traditional Canarian town hall with a balcony under sunlight.

The Northern region of Gran Canaria has established itself as a key tourist destination, attracting nearly 900,000 visitors annually through its commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage.

The municipality of Guía is hosting the World Tourism Day celebrations this weekend. The event will feature the presentation of awards to eleven local businesses recognized for their innovation and commitment to sustainable development within the service sector.
Data from the Gran Canaria Tourism Board indicates that approximately two out of every ten visitors to the island explore the northern region. This shift has helped diversify the island's tourism model, offering alternatives to traditional sun-and-beach packages through the restoration of historic centers, promotion of local traditions, and outdoor activities.
Sunday's program will focus on digital transformation, specifically the role of artificial intelligence in tourism. In the Plaza Grande of Guía, the eleven municipalities of the Northern Commonwealth will showcase their cultural and gastronomic offerings, alongside virtual scavenger hunts and musical performances.
Local authorities emphasized that increased revenue in non-traditional tourist municipalities helps distribute wealth more effectively. The initiative aims to encourage visitors to explore the island's interior, discovering landmarks such as the Cenobio de Valerón and local products with protected designation of origin.