The number of foreign tourists visiting Lanzarote fell by 9.76 % in December as freezing weather and air traffic controllers strikes hit arrivals from across Europe. Whilst tourism from the Spanish mainland also dropped by 11%, versus December 2009 as well. Denting an otherwise positive year of growth for the tourist sector.

The Spanish air traffic controllers strike and the freezing cold weather across Northern Europe combined to create a near 10% decline in visitor numbers during December. According to the latest figures just released by ISTAC, the Canarian Institute of Statisics. Taking the gloss off relatively encouraging overall figures for the year, as foreign tourism grew by 6.88% on Lanzarote during the course of 2010.

During December however the island welcomed 112,420 foreign tourists, down from 124,588 in comparison with December 2009. Along with 21,918 Spanish guests, down from 24,623 arrivals.

The number of British tourists touching down at Arrecife airport fell by 8.7%, whilst the number of Irish tourists visiting Lanzarote continued to decline. Falling by 22% versus December 2009, with just 9,444 arrivals from Eire recorded.

Of Lanzarote´s main tourist markets only Germany recorded positive growth during December, with arrivals climbing by 2.9% to 23,160 tourists.

Overall both British and German tourism showed positive growth during the course of 2010. Growing by 14.97% and 5.47% respectively. With British arrivals reaching a total of 813,176, a figure that is very close to total UK arrivals recorded during both 2007 (814,283) and 2008 (823,131).

Irish tourism however appears to be in more long term decline, with 154,964 visitors recorded this year. A figure that is down by 12% versus 2009 and by a whopping 26.23% versus 2008, when as many as 210,088 Irish holidaymakers enjoyed a break on the island. A trend that is likely to continue given the current economic difficulties facing consumers in the Republic.