Jet2 increases flight routes to Canary Islands competitor. (Image: Getty)
A new winter sun destination poses a major threat to the Canary Islands as holidaymakers may look elsewhere.
The once-go-to hotspot for Brits has been engulfed by anti-tourism protests over the past year, which may push travellers elsewhere.
Following the sharp increase in international tourists visiting the Canary Islands in 2024, totalling 15.5 million, angry locals decided they had enough.
Demonstrations were held across the archipelago as residents raised concerns over the tourist impact on the housing market and local infrastructure.
Brits made up a staggering 40% of all international arrivals, and they may now switch their winter holiday destination to another sunny alternative.
Agadir, Morocco. (Image: Getty)
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Airline Jet2’s CEO Steve Heapy had previously warned of the devastating impact that Spanish islands could face, saying they are “playing a very dangerous game” by putting tourists off from visiting due to the demonstrations.
The airline is now increasing the number of routes and flights from the UK to Morocco, posing as “one of the Canary Islands’ strongest competitors,” the Canarian Weekly reports.
The new routes include:
- Bournemouth–Agadir: Operating on Tuesdays from 4th November 2025 to 24th March 2026.
- Leeds Bradford–Marrakech: Operating on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3rd October 2025 to 28th April 2026.
This means that Jet2 will now offer flights to Morocco from eight UK airports. With Agadir becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, Jet2 will operate seven direct routes to the city from Bournemouth, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, and London Stansted throughout the winter season of 2025/26.
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Agadir is home to a plethora of historical gems, as well as a sandy coastline (Image: Getty)
“We have experienced a phenomenal reaction since launching our Morocco programme, with customers and independent travel agents jumping at the chance to book our award-winning flights and holidays to both Agadir and Marrakech,” Mr Heapy said.
Morocco is a hot, sunny climate just a 3hrs 30 minutes plane journey away from the UK.
In November, temperatures still reach 21C with the warm weather stretching throughout the Christmas period as December sees 18C – it’s the ideal break from the freezing figures and snowfall in the UK.