Other major gains were made in the Norwegian market, Lanzarote´s fourth largest source of guests last month, with visitors rising by 185%.  And Holland, up by 33%.  With only the French, Polish and Spanish markets recording a fall. In total Lanzarote welcomed 179,275 visitors last month.  With the British market accounting for 82,300 of these arrivals.

The Spring issue of Lanzarote Guidebook is out now and includes an all new food and drink section.  Which covers off the best restaurants to visit when out and about touring the island.  As well as an overview of typical Canarian cuisine and an introduction to Lanzarote´s viniculture and bodegas.  As well as loads of in depth information about the island and its many attractions.

This handy pocket sized guide can be downloaded for free – just visit the Lanzarote Guidebook website.  Or if you are on the island then you can pick up a copy at any of the main tourist information offices.

The islands special geopolitical history and circumstances within Spain have led to this development, which is mirrored by other peripheral territories such as Guadalupe and Guayana, which are notionally French but have their own distinct identities.

The next step in this process to establish new domain names in the Canaries requires the Canarian Government to apply to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for ownership of the IC domain.

According to Kevin Brown, Edinburgh Airport’s managing director: “These new routes are further demonstration of our commitment to providing the widest choice of routes for our passengers. This investment in Edinburgh Airport is very welcome and we look forward to working with Thomson and First Choice to further develop sun destinations offering.”

Donat responded to an upsurge in travel agents bookings over the weekend by stating that; ‘The unrest in Egypt benefits tourism in the Canaries.’ As Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are direct competitors to the Canaries for winter sun bookings.  Last year an estimated 1.3 million British tourists visited Egypt. Beach resorts in Tunisia have also experienced a downturn in bookings after the recent unrest there.  With tourists turning their back on the destination as anti government protests continue.

Overall, annual Irish tourist numbers have now declined by 12% versus 2009 and by over 25% versus 2008 figures.  Suggesting that Lanarote’s third largest market is now in long term decline, a trend exacerbated by the onset of the debt crisis there, which is set to further squeeze consumer spending.

On the upside other key markets such as the UK and Germany both recorded positive growth for the year and overall foreign tourism on Lanzarote rose by nearly 7% during the course of 2010.  As the island welcomed a total of 1.461.568 non Spanish nationals.

The Arrecife shop is in Calle Rio de Oro, 3, whilst the latest atelier in Madrid is located in Calle Mejía Lequerica, 17. Although increasingly, Machin is also selling his range on-line as well. Many of his dresses are for big occasions, such as weddings and first communion. He won the second competition for young fashion designers in the Canary Islands in 2009.

The country had already passed a partial smoking ban back in 2006, but this has now been extended to include all enclosed areas such as bars and restaurants.  With even outdoor areas, such as restaurant terraces with more than two walls now a smoke free zone.  Hotels however have somehow escaped imposition of the full legislation and tourists will still be able to smoke in designated smoking rooms so long as the accommodations public areas remain unpolluted.

The lowest temperatures recorded in the UK for over 30 years, allied with the threat of more to come, has encouraged many British residents to celebrate their Christmas in warmer climes this year. 

Co-operative Travel has revealed that Lanzarote is set to be their third most popular winter sun destination this year after Tenerife and Sharm El Sheikh.  Based on an analysis of 29,000 winter break bookings.  Their spokesperson Trevor Davis states:”A significant fall in prices combined with the early onset of winter weather in the UK is tempting more people to opt for a Christmas dash to popular winter sun destinations. ”

Lanzarote Guidebook features 96 pages crammed with up to date information about all of the islands main attractions, resorts and towns.  Along with some fantastic photos of the island taken by local photographer James Mitchell.  It´s published very quarter in handy to carry pocket sized format and is written by locals – so it’s a real insider’s guide to Lanzarote.  Giving tips about the best local restaurants, excursions and places to visit.

The winter edition covers upcoming events such as the Canarian Music Festival and an introduction to the work of the famous local artist César Manrique. Along with guides to the best local beaches, museums and sights.