Lanzarote 2008 Summer Holidays Riding High

Whether or not the United Kingdom is in recession is debatable - officially the country isn't as it takes two quarters of negative growth to make it officially a recession.

But all the talk in the media has certainly worried enough families into re-thinking their normal overseas holiday plans, and some reports suggest that one in three British families will holiday within the country this summer.

So the good start the Canary island of Lanzarote has had for 2008 will certainly help their tourist industry for the year overall if the summer time is a disappointment compared to the number of visitors in 2007.

Lanzarote is an all year round holidays destination, with many holidaymakers taking advantage of the good winter weather on the island, notably from the UK - but increasingly from Scandanavia too.

Visitor numbers suggest that arrivals on the island this year are up just over 10 per cent on 2007, and with the summer of 2007 being a pretty flat time in Lanzarote there is every chance that the number of Lanzarote holidays sold in 2008 will show an increase despite the overall poor economy of her main UK market.

Popular visitor attractions in Lanzarote have reported attendance numbers well up on 2007.

Lanzarote, at 37 miles long and 12 miles wide, has much to offer visitors of all ages. Due to the location of the island and volcanic eruptions as recent as the 19th century, people often describe parts of the island as lunar. Some say it gives them the feeling of being in another world. Families with small children find this an exciting way to teach their children about the planets and how each area of a planet can differ from others.

Overall Lanzarote has both culture and charm, from its Romance language (Spanish), to its natural beauty. Part of Spain, the island is 20 kilometers at its widest section and is 60 kilometers long. There's a lot to see and do in a relatively small geographical area.

Lanzarote offers many great attractions for visitors of all ages, which is why perhaps Lanzarote is doing well despite a downturn in tourism in many other places. The Guinate Tropical Park and Penguin Paradise near Haria offers a very unique array of wildlife. The penguin enclosure, Penguin Paradise is a spectacle in itself. The underwater viewing pool gives visitors the unique experience of seeing the behavior of penguins while under water. It is simply amazing to see how these incredible birds behave in their natural habitat.

Sandy beaches and water sports are also part of the appeal that awaits Lanzarote holidaymakers. Puerto Del Carmen, a popular resort on the island, is also a hub of excitement for many family activities. The Rancho Texas Theme Park, established around 1731, is one of the most popular sites in Puerto Del Carmen. The first mayor of San Antonio, Texas, was originally from Lanzarote and the park is, in part, a tribute to that connection. Some of the park's most popular attractions include crocodiles, parrots and a Birds of Prey show. Pony and canoe rides and many other activities await anxious tourists and excited children.

For those who prefer a more genteel holiday, Playa Blanca was once a small fishing port. In recent years it has developed into the second largest resort on Lanzarote. Playa Blanca is very popular with families due to its size and many family-friendly beaches. Two more beaches were recently added to Playa Blanca to help make up for the lack of space on the main central beach. Along the nicely manicured streets you will find several shops, restaurants and clubs. The resort offers many sports and attractions for guests of all ages.

The fact that Lanzarote is diverse enough to offer both action packed and leisurely holidays will no doubt help her tourist numbers if there are turbulent times ahead in the holidays market.