Gran Canaria hosted a group of Irish travel agents on a trip to showcase the island’s work on sustainable tourism.
Five of Ireland’s foremost travel agents and tour operators experienced a diverse range of activities, from visiting traditional banana plantations to exploring historical towns and local markets.
The trip included accommodations at hotels in various regions, showcasing the island’s extensive hospitality options beyond just beach resorts, touring Gran Canaria’s unique offerings, which blend natural beauty, cultural heritage, and active lifestyle opportunities for tourists.
Kathryn MacDonnell shared: Overall the agents were pleasantly surprised by the variety of offerings of accommodation and activities and immersive experiences as well as the different aspects to the island of Gran Canaria other than the beach resorts.
- The group was greeted by a reception at Gran Canaria Airport followed by a transfer to the
- 5-star Seaside Palm Beach, part of Design Hotels, set in a nature reserve with ancient palm groves and a lagoon, adjacent to the famous Maspalomas Dunes and beach.. This stylish hotel beautifully integrates 70s retro design with modern luxury and offers acclaimed dining options on spacious terraces amidst a lush palm garden. It features an exclusive wellness facility with an outdoor health garden and spa, providing a full range of treatments for the mind, body, and spirit.
- Over breakfast they met representatives from the Seaside commercial department, who showcased both Seaside Palm Beach and Grand Hotel Residencia.
- They visited an authentic Canarian hacienda, La ReKompensa, along with the unique Banana Museum featuring panoramic views of the sea and banana plantations, tasted local banana delicacies, explored Arucas, recognised for its historical and artistic significance and the beautiful 4 km long Las Canteras Beach, sheltered by a natural reef—one of Spain’s premier urban beaches, located conveniently on the promenade.
- Lunch was at Mercado del Puerto, an iconic farmers market designed by Gustave Eiffel and opened in 1891. This trendy venue is known for its terrace and tapas bars, where we will have an informal dinner at Piscos & Buches Gourmet Canario.
- The visit continued to Vegueta and Triana, historic districts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, the Cathedral, Santa Ana Square, the Columbus Museum and the Boutique Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana, a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city, where a coffee awaits us.
- Juana Rosa Alemán from Gran Canaria Tourism hoisted the group at dinner with Seneida from Seaside Collection’s Sales and Marketing.
- Breakfast was at the 360º Restaurant at Hotel Bohemia Suites & Spa, an adults-only boutique hotel promoting a bohemian ambiance where guests feel like they are with good friends, a designer hotel that merges luxury with relaxation.
- A visit to Radisson Blu Resort, Anfi Beach, Gran Canaria, known for its stunning ocean views and direct beach access. This family-friendly resort features a spa, gym, fine dining, and pools was followed by boat transfer from Anfi Beach to Mogán Harbour.
- Lunch was at Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa, designed to resemble a Canarian village with rooms and pools set in a botanical garden.
- The group attended the ORIGIN Show at Scala Gran Canaria, a sensory experience filled with performances by renowned singers, drag queens, acrobats, and dancers. (https://salascala.com/en/).
- A visit to the northern part of the island began at the village of Teror, located in the heart of Gran Canaria. This charming village features cobblestone streets and hanging balconies, and it is home to an 18th-century Basilica recognized as a Public Interest Site, significant to the islanders as it houses Our Lady of the Pines, the island’s patron saint. From Teror, they travelled to Tejeda, making stops at viewpoints to take in breathtaking volcanic landscapes, including the iconic Roque Nublo (1,813m), pine forests, lakes, and picturesque villages. This area’s natural beauty has earned it UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site status.
- Lunch was at Parador Cruz de Tejeda. Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters in central Gran Canaria, this hotel offers stunning mountain and volcanic Caldera views from guest rooms and the outdoor hydrothermal pool, where you can relax while enjoying the mesmerizing sea of clouds. (https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-cruz-de-tejeda
- At Bahía Féliz the group visited Servatur Monte Feliz, powered by Playitas, located in Bahía Féliz. This resort offers sea views and is surrounded by gardens, providing extensive facilities for families, groups, and couples. Guests can enjoy unique sports facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym, WOD box, yoga and group training areas, tennis, padel courts, swimming pools, and a cycling center. Additionally, the outdoor pool area is perfect for sunbathing, while children can enjoy the designated play area, splash zone, mini club, and playground. For relaxation, there’s a serene area with Balinese beds. (https://www.servatur.com/en/monte-feliz/).
- The group travelled with Aer Lingus on flight EI782/EI783 to Gran Canaria daily service, Duration. 04h14m ; Distance. 1583 NM
