Increase in tourism spend in Spain and the Canaries

The total amount spent by foreign tourists in Spain during the first quarter of this year (2011) amounted to €12.627 million euros, up 8.7% over the same period in 2010, according to the Tourism Expenditure Survey (Egatur) released today by the Ministry of Industry. This growth was in line with the arrival of tourists to Spain, which was up 8.5% through April, and was even slightly higher, thanks to the 0.2% increase in average spending per person, as the daily spend dropped 1.2%, to €94 euros. In April 2011, in line with the volume of foreign tourists arriving in Spain, the increase in total expenditure jumped 24.1% to €4.217 million, with gains in both average spend per person, 2.5% (€894 euros) and in the daily spend, 5.1% (€94). These results confirm the growth in demand and the consolidation of the recovery of the upward trend of foreign tourism in Spain while taking into account the effect of the Easter holidays during the month of April and especially flight cancellations due to the eruption of volcano in Iceland in April 2010.

The main markets in the first quarter of 2011 were the United Kingdom and Germany, which accounted for 25.5% of total spending, and in both cases there were increases of 5.6% and 2.8% respectively.

By region, the Canary Islands experienced a growth of 17.2%.

If you want to buy property in Canary Islands contact info@goldacre-estates.com, call 0034-928535044, or browse options at www.goldacre-estates.com.

Source:Canary News

El Sultan Residential , Townhouses for sale in Corralejo, Fuerteventura

Exclusive complex of 74 apartments and townhouses highly stylized with Arabic flavors.Designed with imagination and purpose, offering peace of mind and spatial comfort. Bordering both the resort of Corralejo and the National Dune Park, this special location alows you easy access to the entertainments of a cosmopolitan port as well as the tranquility of the desert and sea. Buy it now you won't regret it.

If you want any further information contact info@goldacre-estates.com, call 0034-928535044, or browse options at www.goldacre-estates.com.

Access to Attractive Tax Incentives in Canary Islands

The Canary Islands historically benefit from different and stable economic and fiscal treatment in order to compensate for the effect of its insularity and remoteness. Thus, they have their own Economic and Fiscal Scheme (REF), Law 19/1994 on the Economic and Fiscal Scheme of the Canary Islands, subject to Spanish law and fully authorized by the EU.

The REF includes a series of tax incentives related to creating and developing business, some of the most outstanding of which are:

The Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC), to which a 4% Business Tax applies (instead of the 30% under the General Scheme).

The Reserve for Investments in the Canary Islands (RIC) allows for a reduction of up to 90% of undistributed profits on the Business Tax base.

Exemption from the Tax on Property Transfers and Documented Legal Acts for the constitution, expansion and acquisition of investment assets.

Advantages of the Indirect Canary Islands General Tax (IGIC) related to VAT with a general rate of 5%, zero application to certain products and services like telecommunications or for the acquisition of investment assets as well as a limit for operating volume.

50% tax credit on the profits obtained for the sale of corporeal goods produced on the Canary Islands.
Significant tax deductions for investments made in sectors of interest.

Two duty-free zones of the five existing in Spain. The companies that set up in Canary Islands duty-free zones can also receive all other benefits offered by the REF.

These incentives mean that the Canary Islands is highly attractive to investment tax-wise; but they are not a fiscal paradise.

If you want to buy property in Canary Islands contact info@goldacre-estates.com, call 0034-928535044, or browse options at www.goldacre-estates.com.

Source: Proexca

Why should you buy a property in Canary Islands?

With more than twelve million tourists annually, the Canary Islands is one of the preferred tourist destinations of EU citizens, with temperatures that range between 16ºC ad 25ºC all year long.

The rich and varied vegetation of its protected areas (national parks, natural parks, biosphere reserves, etc.) and the historical-cultural heritage of the Canary Islands also allows its residents to enjoy an excellent standard of living in a luxurious environment as business is perfectly combined with the best leisure options.

Besides, the culture of Canary Islands is very impressive too. You can attend any of the many cultural events of renowned European prestige such as the Classic Music Festival, which is held simultaneously on all the islands; the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Film Festival, the Spanish market for new film productions at screenings (Lanzarote); opera and zarzuela seasons at the Pérez Galdós Theatre (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) and performances at the Guimerá Theatre (Santa Cruz de Tenerife); art exhibits at the Lanzarote Contemporary Arts Museum, at the "El Tanque" Cultural Facility in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and at the Atlantic Centre for Modern Art (CAAM) in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where you can also find the Canary Islands Museum where you can delve into the most remote past of the Archipelago, just as you can at the Museum of Natural History and Man (Santa Cruz de Tenerife).

If you want to buy property in Canary Islands contact info@goldacre-estates.com, call 0034-928535044, or browse options at www.goldacre-estates.com.

Source: Proexca

The Tide Is Turning On Spanish Real Estate

PrLog Press release
Many reports today constantly berate property in Spain, slow markets, glut of empty Spanish Real Estate , poor economic conditions all the reasons why you should not buy Spanish real estate, not many people focus on the real opportunity that exists in the market in Spain today, also many times key areas of investment are missed such as the Canary Islands and Balearic’s as Spanish property seems to be grouped all under one banner ‘Spain’ with no definition regarding area and location, in an interview late in 2010 Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero told U.S. news channel CNBC that prices had hit bottom and were on their way back up and this certainly seems to be the case within some areas of the Spanish Real Estate market.
Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands is starting to see a resurgence in buyers, Managing Director John Goldacre of GoldAcre Estates, who’s Head Office is based in Corralejo in Fuerteventura stated that the Canary Islands seem to be pulling ahead of mainland Spain in terms of leaving the recession behind them, for us we had a very difficult 2008/2009 and in 2010 we started to see some serious light at the end of the tunnel, 2011 has opened very well for property in Fuerteventura and we are expecting steady growth throughout the year.

Of course there still remains some great bargains to be had in the Canary Islands Real Estate market and if someone is seriously considering purchasing a property in Fuerteventura then there will be no better time than now, with some two bedroom townhouse’s as low as 69,500 euros, Sea front three bedroom apartments from 169,500 and villas in 10,000 m2 plots for 180,000 euros.

Goldacre believes that throughout the year property prices are going to start once again strengthening, not by large amounts but he believes the market will start to see increases coming in as of course some of the cheaper opportunities disappear as they continue to be snapped up by buyers who are getting wise to the opportunities and understanding that the low prices that we have seen will not be around forever.

The Christmas period for GoldAcre Estates saw many new clients looking to buy in Fuerteventura, because of course now the number of flights have increased to the Island particularly with low cost airlines like Easy Jet and Ryan Air running direct European connections including flights to mainland Spain’ two main hubs Madrid and Barcelona and as well as a number of UK airports.
Fuerteventura has seen a lot of inward investment through the crisis which has included major extensions to Fuerteventura airport, producing a new arrivals terminal, extensions to the runway and departure lounge.

The Canary islands offer some of the best weather within a short flying distance to the whole of Northern Europe and many people have wanted to escape the recent freezing conditions and enjoy the all year round Sunny conditions of the Canary islands.

Known as the land of eternal spring the Canaries offer some of the best year round climatic conditions in Spain, offering the buyers of real estate the opportunity to maximise on their investment throughout the year, of course many investors have realised that with a drop in price comes an increase in their % return on investment (ROI) as the strong rental season in Fuerteventura ensures exceptional rental opportunites.

GoldAcre Estates is one of Fuerteventura's longest established Real Estate Agents serving both the national and international client base in Fuerteventura
http://www.goldacre-estates.com

Source BuyIn Fuerteventura and PrLog Press release

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – Sun, sea, sand…..and conservation

In the past Fuerteventura had a reputation for being the poorest and the least developed of the Canary Islands but nowadays the guaranteed sunshine, the huge expanses of fine golden sand and turquoise sea have made it irresistible to tourists from Europe and, increasingly, further afield and tourism has become big business here.

However, for those prepared to venture outside the tourist resorts there is more to Fuerteventura that just sea, sand and sunshine.

Historically the islanders made their living from fishing, goat-herding and local crafts but, with the increase in tourism, there has been a dramatic increase in demand for skin care products from those visiting the island for the year round sunshine. As a result the Aloe Vera plant has become one of Fuerteventura’s most important products due to its moisturising and healing properties. Aloe farms can now be found all over the island and factories have been built producing skin-care creams and sun tan lotions which are not only sold locally but also exported overseas.

Additionally a number of conservation projects have been set up on Fuerteventura. One of these projects is aimed at protecting the endangered Mediterranean monk seal by re-introducing it to the neighbouring island of Los Lobos, just off Corralejo in the far north of the island.

In the south of Fuerteventura is the town of Morro Jable which, as well as being a resort area, is now also the home of the Sodabe Turtle Reserve where loggerhead turtles are being reintroduced after an absence of over 100 years. The turtles are being transported from Cape Verde and hatched on a beach on Fuerteventura’s west coast at Cofete. From there the baby turtles are placed in “nursery” tanks until they are large enough to be released in the sea. The hope is that when the females reach maturity (after 10 years) they will return to Cofete to lay their eggs, ensuring the ongoing presence of these turtles on Fuerteventura.

Another important development for the island was when UNESCO declared the island a Biosphere Reserve in May 2009. This will ensure that the almost completely untouched west coast, the interior of the island with its pretty towns and villages, and a large part of Jandia in the south will be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations of residents and visitors to Fuerteventura.

The increase in tourism also means an increase in the importance of water sports here in Fuerteventura and these are among the best in the Canary Islands. There is a stark difference to the seas on the east and west of the island. To the east the sea is nearly always calm and the winds tend to be constant and reliable, perfect for windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts. The Sotavento lagoon and beaches are hosts to annual World Tour events in the last 2 weeks of July.

The western coast of Fuerteventura is wilder and for the most part unsafe for all but the most experienced swimmers and divers. However there are a handful of surfing beaches, especially around El Cotillo in the north-west. There is also exotic marine life with excellent visibility and underwater caves and grottos as is typical in submerged volcanoes.

Many tourist guide books will lead you to believe that the beautiful golden sand on more than 150 beaches scattered around the island was blown here from the Sahara desert. However, the sand on Fuerteventura is actually completely natural and the sand dunes of Corralejo are a major attraction of the island. The dune area was declared a Natural Park in the 1980’s and apart from the two Riu hotels already standing on the beach no further building is allowed, ensuring the protection of the dunes for the future. Additionally a new road is currently under construction to divert traffic around, rather than through, the sand dunes. It is hoped that work on the new road (which will run from La Caldereta to Corralejo) will be completed by December 2011, helping to preserve the beauty of the Natural Park.

There are many reasons for visitors to Fuerteventura to leave their hotels, leave their resorts and explore all this wonderful island has to offer.

Ryanair announces new flights from Prestwick to Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Ryanair has announced extra flights to its sunshine routes from Prestwick and a new route to Fuerteventura starting next month.Chief executive for Prestwick airport, Iain Cochrane said: “This is more excellent news for the airport. As well as these welcome extras, we have new Ryanair routes starting to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands and Ibiza next month, plus summer flights to Jersey and Turkey with other airlines.”

This is yet more good news for the tourist industry on Fuerteventura and for property owners looking for more connections back to the UK. It will also help the real estate market on the island by providing more connections between Fuerteventura and the UK which is an important consideration for potential purchasers.

The extra flights from Prestwick will go to Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Faro and Carcassonne.

It’s Carnival Time in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

In many Roman Catholic countries the weeks leading up to Lent become Carnival time. It is a time when locals forget about the stresses and strains of everyday life and how much their real Estate is worth or not and dress up in often outrageous costumes to go out onto the streets and party well into the night.

Fuerteventura, second largest Island in the Canary Islands, Spain is no exception to this and the Carnival season starts in mid-February in the capital Puerto del Rosario, moving on to other towns and villages around Fuerteventura and the other Islands of Tenerife , Lanzarote and Gran canaria.

The main event in each location is the grand parade with many floats representing local businesses, marching bands, and of course the Carnival Queen – or queens, as you will often see not one, but two or even three queens – an adult, a junior and possibly a drag queen.

The majority of locals – men, women and children – join in with the festivities wearing fancy dress costumes made especially for the occasion. Men become women for the evening and all are a sight to behold, with tourists who know of the tradition also taking part.

So what is happening and where? Below are details of the events in the main towns but there will also be activities in the smaller towns and villages:

Puerto del Rosario

• The first, smaller parade takes place on 17th February at 8 pm. The parade represents “the birth of the sardine”, the sardine being the symbol of Carnival in the Canary Islands.
• On Saturday 27th February is the grand parade. This is traditionally the largest and most spectacular parade on the island, starting at around 5pm.
• On 6th March is the final parade “the burial of the sardine” when a huge papier mache model of the sardine is burned (cremated).

Caleta de Fuste

• In Caleta this year the grand parade takes place on February 20th. The theme for 2010 is the 1960’s so you can expect to see once again the fashions of this exciting era.

Corralejo

• The grand parade this year starts at around 5pm on Saturday 13th March. The theme of the carnival is The Jungle and there is a wealth of material for sale in every imaginable animal print in fabric shops in the old town. No doubt there will be many Tarzans, Janes (probably predominantly male) and “animals” galore on the streets of Corralejo.

New Year Opportunities in the Fuerteventura and Canary Island Property Market

New Year New Opportunities

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2010.

So what’s the story so far this year ?

Predictions on Sterling vs the Euro are targeted by reports from the major currency houses to reach 1.20 ( sometime this year, but no one has put a date yet on when this magical figure will be reached ), I have to say we have had a positive opening and we are currently seeing 1.15 so far this month.

What about Property ?

My view for the market is that we will see a steady increase in sales volumes through 2010, so good news for those that are selling their properties.

There is a lot of talk surrounding the Greek economy and the national debt in the international press right now, I have recently visited our offices in Greece and the local real estate market ( greek residential ) remains buoyant and it is anticipated that 2010 will see a significant rise in the International buyers particularly in areas such as Crete, Corfu and Zakynthos.

Easy jet have just announced a number of new routes to Greece in 2010 with prices starting from only 41 GBP further details can be found on www.easyjet.com

Fuerteventura seems to have resolved the issue of the lack of flights over the winter with Ryanair returning to its services for the Island and Easy Jet now running its regular services to Stanstead and other UK airports, in fact I traveled to Stanstead recently with Easyjet and you could not have found a better flight.

Good luck, happy hunting and wherever your search may you find your DREAM HOME we are there to assist you.

If you have a flight only GoldAcre Estates can assist you in finding your perfect accommodation to stay during your search for your Dream Home.

Please remember any comments that you may have on how we can improve our newsletter are always welcome write to me directly john@goldacre-estates.com

John Goldacre

School's Out: 9 cheap deals for childless travellers from Skyscanner

School holidays are a notoriously expensive time to travel.

In the world of supply and demand, airlines and accommodation suppliers push up their prices during the holidays, forcing parents to cough up, or stay home.

But for those not tied to the national curriculum, there are great deals to be found either side of the vacation period.

Flight comparison site Skyscanner (www.Skyscanner.net) introduces some bargain breaks for the childless traveller.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – from £162
Save: over £250
You won’t have any problems finding your very own place in the sun on Fuerteventura. This laid back Canary Island boasts over 125 miles of beach and is located at the same latitude as parts of Florida and Mexico with the mercury rising as high as 23C, even during winter. Stake a place on the sand at Jandia, a huge natural beach that extends some 20km along the shoreline. There are also plenty of dunes and lagoons to explore and all just a four hour flight from the UK. Travel outside of the half term holiday and you’ll pay less than half the price for your flight. Find cheap flights to Fuerteventura

Geneva, Switzerland – from £39
Save: over £200

With snow in abundance in the Alps, a last minute ski trip is a great option right now. Geneva is an ideal landing point for winter sport lovers offering the choice of over 100 ski resorts within two hours’ drive. One of the closest is Lelex, a small resort served by 13 ski lifts, ideal for beginners. At the other end of the scale there’s Morzine, part of Les Portes Du Soleil, a huge interlinked ski area offering some 650 different pistes, served by over 200 ski lifts. Travel the week after half term and you’ll get flights for less than a quarter of the cost during the holiday. Find cheap flights to Gevena

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – from £318
Save: over £150

With almost guaranteed sunshine and plenty of beach space, Egypt has long been a hit with families. So evade the child invasion by travelling the week before half term and save yourself more than £150. That also means you’ll have much more mullah for spending on dive adventures in the Red Sea, desert quad bike treks, and of course, après sand activities. Find cheap flights to Sharm El Sheikh

Orlando, Florida – from £440
Save: over £500

With the Harry Potter hype reaching magical proportions, Orlando is set to become even more popular, as muggles from all over the world head for Harry’s homeland to enjoy the delights of his ‘Wizarding World’, which is due for completion in spring. For now, you can beat both the Harry Potter and half term crowds and enjoy Orladno’s alternative attractions instead; go gator spotting in the Everglades with an airboat adventure, treat yourself to a little luxury shopping at Tiffany & Co, Cartier, or Jimmy Choo at The Mall at Millenia, then taste the local vintage at the Lakeridge Winery. Find cheap flights to Orlando

Dubai, UAE – from £347
Save: over £50

With all its modern child-friendly attractions, Dubai has drawn an increasingly large portion of the family holiday market. Be sure to avoid all that, and the costs that go with it, by travelling the week before half term. That means you’ll have more to spend in the chic shopping centres, on a champagne brunch or on some cheap nuggets at the Gold Souk. Get your haggling hat on if you want to bag some bargain bullion though, and watch out for fool’s gold! Find cheap flights to Dubai

Jamaica – from £431
Save: over £200

Jamaica has the beaches, the relaxing atmosphere and the cocktails to make all your winter blues disappear. There are hotels to suit all tastes and price ranges, but one of the best is the ‘Breezes Runaway Bay Resort and Golf Club’ where you can have a round on the course before enjoying a round at the bar. You can also swim with dolphins, go river rafting, or visit the Bob Marley Museum. Head to this Caribbean country the week before school’s out and you’ll save over £200 on the flight. Find cheap flights to Jamaica

Marrakech, Morocco – from £160
Save: over £300

Marrakech’s close proximity to the UK has meant it’s become a rising star for those seeking somewhere exotic, yet only a short flight away. In the heart of the old city is Djemaa el-Fna, a busy square with a carnival-style atmosphere with entertainers, performers and delicious Moroccan food from local stalls. Adventurous travellers can even head out of the city to Oukaimeden in the Atlas Mountains for some African skiing. Go the week before the kids come out to play, and you’ll save over £300 on your flights. Find cheap flights to Marrakech


Paphos, Cyprus – from £109
Save: over £150

It may be at the cooler end of the temperature spectrum, but it´s still possible to enjoy days on the beach here during the winter months. Unlike other resorts on the island such as Ayia Napa, Paphos is open for business all year round and there are no less than eleven blue flag beaches in this region, making it an ideal base for exploring gems such as Konnos Bay, Cape Greco or nearby Coral Bay. Head off before half term and save more than £150 on your flight. Find cheap flights to Paphos

Luqa, Malta – from £114
Save: over £100

This small Mediterranean Island is fast becoming a popular spot with families due to its child-friendly attitude, year-round good weather and good value. Go the week before half term and you’ll be able to enjoy Malta’s distinct Mediterranean cuisine, intriguing architecture and interesting history that make it a great place for childless travellers too. The fact that you’ll save over £100 by travelling before the holiday helps sweeten the deal. Find cheap flights to Malta

Prices are for return flights and include all mandatory taxes, based on Saturday to Saturday, or Sunday to Sunday departure/return. Departures are from London airports, other options may be available. Prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change. Please check for www.Skyscanner.net for the most up to date information.

About Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a leading travel search site based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Skyscanner provides instant online comparison on flight prices for over 67,000 routes on over 600 airlines, as well as car hire, hotel and holiday price comparison. With Skyscanner, users can browse without having to enter specific dates or even destinations, and Skyscanner is available in 20 different languages including French, German and Spanish.


Source
www.skyscanner.net
sam@skyscanner.net
Tel: +44 (0)131 252 5353

Ryanair announces new route to Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Ryanair has announced a new route to Fuerteventura from East Midlands airpot in the UK. The new service will begin on the 3rd of May 2010 and bookings will be available on line from today at Ryanair

In the same announcement Ryanair said it will also fly to Treviso, Venice from the same airport from the 5th of May.

Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said, "Ryanair continues to develop great new routes so that passengers can beat the recession by flying at Ryanair’s guaranteed lowest fares and no fuel surcharges to exciting destinations all over Europe."

The flights will also be good news for British owners of Fuerteventura property on the island and the islands expatriots.

Source Ryanair

Special tax allowances for the Canary Islands over its European mainland counterparts

The Canary Islands enjoys some major tax advantages over the rest of mainland Europe which have not really been exploited because of lack of information available these TAX advantages can be significant and could be the Canary Islands advantage over mainland Spain in the recovery of its economy in 2010.

The Canary Islands are made up of seven different Islands, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Plama, La Gomera and El Herrio, situated in the Atlantic Ocean just off the North African coast of Morroco the Canaries enjoys good flight communication with the whole of Europe and the rest of the world through the hub of Madrid.

The Canary islands are renowned for its tourism all year through as well as second and holiday homes destinations for people from mixed European destinations who choose to buy property and real estate in the Canary Islands to enjoy winter temperatures of 20 – 21 degrees.

What is the Canary Islands Special Zone?
The Canary Islands Special Zone is a low tax zone created within the framework of the Canary Islands Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF) for the purpose of promoting the economic and social development of the Islands and diversifying their production structure.
The Canary Islands Special Zone was authorised by the European Commission in January 2000 and extended in December 2006. The Spanish Government subsequently adapted the regulations concerning the ZEC contained in the Canary Islands Economic and Fiscal Regime, in accordance with the terms of the corresponding authorisations (Title V of Law 19/1994, as amended by Royal Decree-Law 12/2006 and implemented by Royal Decree-Law 1758/2007 1758/2007).
The benefits provided by the Canary Islands Special Zone will initially remain in force until 31 December 2019, and this time frame may be extended on the authorisation of the European Commission. The final date for authorisation to register in the Official ZEC Register (ROEZEC) will initially be 31 December 2013.
Where can ZEC Entities be set up?
The ZEC covers the whole territory of the Canary Islands, with the following specifications:
Entities whose corporate purpose is the undertaking of service activities may set up anywhere within the territory of the Canary Islands.
Entities whose corporate purpose is the production, transformation, handling or commercialisation of goods may only set up within certain areas designated for these purposes.
Tax Benefits

Corporate Income Tax
ZEC entities are subject to the Corporate Income Tax in force in Spain, at a reduced rate of 4%. As of 2008, the Corporate Income Tax rate in Spain ranges from 25 to 30%. The special rate of 4% shall be applied to a maximum amount of the tax base, depending on the number of jobs created and the type of activity carried out by the ZEC Entity.
Net Employment Creation
Industrial Activities
Service Activities
Other services *
From 3 to 8 workers
€1,800,000
€1,500,000
€1,125,000
More than 8 and up to 12 workers
€2,400,000
€2,000,000
€1,500,000
More than 12 and up to 20 workers
€3,600,000
€3,000,000
€2,250,000
More than 20 and up to 50 workers
€9,200,000
€8,000,000
€6,000,000
More than 50 and up to 100 workers
€21,600,000
€18,000,000
€13,500,000
More than 100 workers
€120,000,000
€100,000,000
€75,000,000
*“Other Services” are considered to be: wholesale trade and commission trade (except of motor vehicles and motorcycles); activities of travel agencies and tour operators; other tourist assistance activities; computer and related activities; legal, accounting and book-keeping activities; tax consultancy; market research and public opinion polling; business and management consultancy; management activities of holding companies; and advertising and public relations services.
DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENTS, EUROPEAN UNION PARENT-SUBSIDIARY DIRECTIVE AND NON-RESIDENT INCOME TAX
The Canary Islands form part of the Spanish and European Union territory, which means that:
Double Taxation Agreements signed by Spain apply to ZEC Entities.
The European Union Parent-Subsidiary Directive applies to ZEC Entities. Therefore, dividends paid by subsidiaries of ZEC Entities to their parent companies resident in other countries within the European Union are exempt from withholding tax.
ZEC regulations include application of the following exemptions to income obtained by residents in non-EU states when the income is paid by a ZEC Entity and results from operations materially and effectively carried out within the geographical area of the ZEC.
Individuals: Interest and other returns obtained by the assignment of own capital to a third party, as well as capital gains on movable assets, obtained without the intermediation of a permanent establishment.Corporate Entities: profits paid to parent companies by its subsidiaries domiciled in Spain.
These exemptions will not apply when the income is obtained through tax havens or territories with which there is no effective exchange of tax information, or when the parent company has its tax residence in such countries or territories.
TRANSFER TAX AND STAMP DUTY
ZEC Entities are exempt from Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty in the following cases:
The acquisition of assets and rights to be used for carrying out the activity of the ZEC Entity within the geographical area of the ZEC.
Company operations carried out by ZEC Entities, except in the case of their dissolution.
Stamp Duty on documents associated with operations carried out by ZEC Entities within the geographical area of the ZEC.
CANARY ISLANDS GENERAL INDIRECT TAX (IGIC) (VAT)
IGIC is the Canary Islands indirect tax levied on final consumption, in substitution of the European Union Value Added Tax (VAT). It is similar in nature to VAT, although there are major differences such as the lower tax rates. The general IGIC rate is 5%.
Within the regime of the ZEC, the provision of goods and services among ZEC Entities is exempt from IGIC, as is the importing of goods by ZEC Entities.
What are the reguirements to becoming a ZEC entity?
· The entity must be newly created and have its registered office and effective place of management within the geographical area of the ZEC
· At least one of the administrators must be resident in the Canary Islands.
· A minimum investment of €100,000 euros must be made in the case of Tenerife or Gran Canaria, or €50,000 in the case of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, El Hierro or La Palma, in fixed assets related to the business activity within the first 2 years following registration.
· A minimum of 5 or 3 jobs must be created, depending on whether the location is one of the capital islands or an outlying island, in the first 6 months following registration, and this average must be maintained during the time the entity remains within the ZEC.
· The corporate purpose must consist of undertaking, within the area of the ZEC, one of the authorised activities.

DETAILED LIST OF ACTIVITIES (NACE)
PRODUCTION,
TRANSFORMATION AND
HANDLING ACTIVITIES AND
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION OF
GOODS:
FISHING. NACE B.
1. Fishing (05.01)
2. Fish farming (05.02)
MANUFACTURE OF FOOD
PRODUCTS, BEVERAGES AND
TOBACCO. NACE DA.
1. Production, processing and preserving
of meat and meat products (15.1)
• Production and preserving of meat
(15.11)
• Production and preserving of
poultrymeat (15.12)
• Production of meat and
poultrymeat products (15.13)
2. Processing and preserving of fish and
fish products (15.2)
3. Processing and preserving of fruit and
vegetables (15.3)
• Processing and preserving of
potatoes (15.31)
• Manufacture of fruit and vegetable
juice (15.32)
• Processing and preserving of fruit
and vegetables n.e.c. (15.33)
4. Manufacture of vegetable and animal
oils and fats (15.4)
• Manufacture of crude oils and fats
(15.41)
• Manufacture of refined oils and fats
(15.42)
• Manufacture of margarine and
similar edible fats (15.43)
5. Manufacture of dairy products (15.5)
• Operation of dairies and cheese
making (15.51)
• Manufacture of ice cream (15.52)
6. Manufacture of grain mill products,
starches and starch products (15.6)
• Manufacture of grain mill products
(15.61)
• Manufacture of starches and starch
products (15.62)
7. Manufacture of prepared animal feeds
(15.7)
• Manufacture of prepared feeds for
farm animals (15.71)
• Manufacture of prepared pet foods
(15.72)
8. Manufacture of other food products
(15.8)
• Manufacture of bread; manufacture
of fresh pastry goods and cakes
(15.81)
• Manufacture of rusks and biscuits;
manufacture of preserved pastry
goods and cakes (15.82)
• Manufacture of sugar (15.83)
• Manufacture of cocoa; chocolate
and sugar confectionery (15.84)
• Manufacture of macaroni, noodles,
couscous and similar farinaceous
products (15.85)
• Processing of tea and coffee (15.86)
• Manufacture of condiments and
seasonings (15.87)
• Manufacture of homogenized food
preparations and dietetic food
(15.88)
2
Information Bulletin
• Manufacture of other food products n.e.c. (15.89)
9. Manufacture of beverages (15.9)
• Manufacture of distilled potable alcoholic beverages
(15.91)
• Production of ethyl alcohol from fermented
materials (15.92)
• Manufacture of wines (15.93)
• Manufacture of cider and other fruit wines (15.94)
• Manufacture of other non-distilled fermented
beverages (15.95)
• Manufacture of beer (15.96)
• Manufacture of malt (15.97)
• Production of mineral waters and soft drinks (15.98)
10. Manufacture of tobacco products (16.0)
MANUFACTURE OF MADE-UP TEXTILE
ARTICLES AND ARTICLES OF FUR.
NACE 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17 and 18.
1. Manufacture of made-up textile articles, except apparel
(17.4)
2. Manufacture of other textiles (17.5)
• Manufacture of carpets and rugs (17.51)
• Manufacture of cordage, rope, twine and netting
(17.52)
• Manufacture of non-wovens and articles made from
non-wovens, except apparel (17.53)
• Manufacture of other textiles n.e.c. (17.54)
3. Manufacture of knitted and crocheted fabrics (17.6)
4. Manufacture of knitted and crocheted articles (17.7)
• Manufacture of knitted and crocheted hosiery (17.71)
• Manufacture of knitted and crocheted pullovers,
cardigans and similar articles (17.72)
5. Manufacture of wearing apparel; dressing and dyeing of
fur (18)
• Manufacture of leather clothes (18.1)
• Manufacture of other wearing apparel and
accessories (18.2)
• Manufacture of workwear (18.21)
• Manufacture of other outerwear (18.22)
• Manufacture of underwear (18.23)
• Manufacture of other wearing apparel and
accessories n.e.c. (18.24)
• Dressing and dyeing of fur; manufacture of articles of
fur (18.3)
MANUFACTURE OF LEATHER AND LEATHER
PRODUCTS. NACE DC.
1. Tanning and dressing of leather (19.1)
2. Manufacture of luggage, handbags and the like, saddlery
and harnesses (19.2)
3. Manufacture of footwear (19.3)
MANUFACTURE OF PULP, PAPER AND PAPER
PRODUCTS; PUBLISHING AND PRINTING.
NACE DE.
1. Manufacture of pulp, paper and paper products (21)
• Manufacture of pulp (21.11)
• Manufacture of paper and paperboard (21.12)
• Manufacture of corrugated paper and paperboard
and of containers of paper and paperboard (21.21)
• Manufacture of household and sanitary goods and of
toilet requisites (21.22)
• Manufacture of paper stationery (21.23)
• Manufacture of wallpaper (21.24)
• Manufacture of other articles of paper and
paperboard n.e.c. (21.25)
2. Publishing (22.1)
• Publishing of books (22.11)
• Publishing of newspapers (22.12)
• Publishing of journals and periodicals (22.13)
• Publishing of sound recordings (22.14)
• Other publishing (22.15)
3. Printing and service activities related to printing (22.2)
• Printing of newspapers (22.21)
• Printing n.e.c. (22.22)
• Bookbinding (22.23)
• Pre-press activities (22.24)
• Ancillary activities related to printing (22.25)
4. Reproduction of recorded media (22.3)
• Reproduction of sound recording (22.31)
• Reproduction of video recording (22.32)
• Reproduction of computer media (22.33)
MANUFACTURE OF CHEMICALS AND
CHEMICAL PRODUCTS. NACE 24.
1. Manufacture of basic chemicals (24.1)
• Manufacture of industrial gases (24.11)
• Manufacture of dyes and pigments (24.12)
• Manufacture of other inorganic basic chemicals
(24.13)
3
Detailed List of Activities
• Manufacture of other organic basic chemicals (24.14)
• Manufacture of fertilizers and nitrogen compounds
(24.15)
• Manufacture of plastics in primary forms (24.16)
• Manufacture of synthetic rubber in primary forms
(24.17)
2. Manufacture of pesticides and other agro-chemical
products (24.2)
3. Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings,
printing ink and mastics (24.3)
4. Manufacture of pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemicals
and botanical products (24.4)
• Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products
(24.41)
• Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations (24.42)
5. Manufacture of soap and detergents, cleaning and
polishing preparations (24.51)
6. Manufacture of perfumes and toilet preparations (24.52)
7. Manufacture of other chemical products (24.6)
• Manufacture of explosives (24.61)
• Manufacture of glues and gelatines (24.62)
• Manufacture of essential oils (24.63)
• Manufacture of photographic chemical material
(24.64)
• Manufacture of prepared unrecorded media (24.65)
• Manufacture of other chemical products n.e.c.
(24.66)
8. Manufacture of man-made fibres (24.7)
PREFABRICATED BUILDING PRODUCTS. NACE
20.2, 20.3, 24.3, 25.2, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4, 26.7, 28.1,
28.12, 28.2, 28.63, 28.7, 36.1, 45.25, 45.3 and 45.4.
1. Manufacture of veneer sheets; manufacture of plywood,
laminboard, particle board, fibre board and other panels
and boards (20.2)
2. Manufacture of builders’ carpentry and joinery (20.3)
3. Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings,
printing ink and mastics (24.3)
4. Manufacture of plastic products (25.2)
• Manufacture of plastic plates, sheets, tubes and
profiles (25.21)
• Manufacture of plastic packing goods (25.22)
• Manufacture of builders’ ware of plastic (25.23)
• Manufacture of other plastic products (25.24)
5. Manufacture of glass and glass products (26.1)
• Manufacture of flat glass (26.11)
• Shaping and processing of flat glass (26.12)
• Manufacture of hollow glass (26.13)
• Manufacture of glass fibres (26.14)
• Manufacture and processing of other glass, including
technical glassware (26.15)
6. Manufacture of non-refractory ceramic goods other
than for construction purposes; manufacture of
refractory ceramic products (26.2)
• Manufacture of ceramic household and ornamental
articles (26.21)
• Manufacture of ceramic sanitary fixtures (26.22)
• Manufacture of ceramic insulators and insulating
fittings (26.23)
• Manufacture of other technical ceramic products
(26.24)
• Manufacture of other ceramic products (26.25)
• Manufacture of refractory ceramic products (26.26)
7. Manufacture of ceramic tiles and flags (26.3)
8. Manufacture of bricks, tiles and construction products,
in baked clay (26.4)
9. Cutting, shaping and finishing of ornamental and building
stone (26.7)
10. Manufacture of structural metal products (28.1)
• Manufacture of metal structures and parts of
structures (28.11)
• Manufacture of builders’ carpentry and joinery of
metal (28.12)
11. Manufacture of tanks, reservoirs and containers of
metal; manufacture of central heating radiators and
boilers (28.2)
• Manufacture of tanks, reservoirs and containers of
metal (28.21)
• Manufacture of central heating radiators and boilers
(28.22)
12. Manufacture of locks and hinges (28.63)
13. Manufacture of other fabricated metal products (28.7)
• Manufacture of steel drums and similar containers
(28.71)
• Manufacture of light metal packaging (28.72)
• Manufacture of wire products (28.73)
• Manufacture of fasteners, screw machine products,
chain and springs (28.74)
• Manufacture of other fabricated metal products
n.e.c. (28.75)
4
Information Bulletin
14. Manufacture of furniture (36.1)
• Manufacture of chairs and seats (36.11)
• Manufacture of other office and shop furniture
(36.12)
• Manufacture of other kitchen furniture (36.13)
• Manufacture of other furniture (36.14)
• Manufacture of mattresses (36.15)
15. Other construction work involving special trades
(45.25)
16. Building installation (45.3)
• Installation of electrical wiring and fittings (45.31)
• Insulation work activities (45.32)
• Plumbing (45.33)
• Other building installation (45.34)
17. Building completion (45.4)
• Plastering (45.41)
• Joinery installation (45.42)
• Floor and wall covering (45.43)
• Painting and glazing (45.44)
• Other building completion (45.45)
MANUFACTURE OF MACHINERY AND
EQUIPMENT n.e.c. NACE 29.
1. Manufacture of machinery for the production and use
of mechanical power, except aircraft, vehicle and cycle
engines (29.1)
• Manufacture of engines and turbines, except aircraft,
vehicle and cycle engines (29.11)
• Manufacture of pumps and compressors ( 29.12)
• Manufacture of taps and valves (29.13)
• Manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and driving
elements (29.14)
2. Manufacture of other general purpose machinery (29.2)
• Manufacture of furnaces and furnace burners (29.21)
• Manufacture of lifting and handling equipment (29.22)
• Manufacture of non-domestic cooling and ventilation
equipment (29.23)
• Manufacture of other general purpose machinery
n.e.c. (29.24)
3. Manufacture of agricultural and forestry machinery
(29.3)
• Manufacture of agricultural tractors (29.31)
• Manufacture of other agricultural and forestry
machinery (29.32)
4. Manufacture of machine-tools (29.4)
• Manufacture of portable hand held power tools
(29.41)
• Manufacture of other metalworking machine tools
(29.42)
• Manufacture of other machine tools n.e.c. (29.43)
5. Manufacture of other special purpose machinery (29.5)
• Manufacture of machinery for metallurgy (29.51)
• Manufacture of machinery for mining, quarrying and
construction (29.52)
• Manufacture of machinery for food, beverage and
tobacco processing (29.53)
• Manufacture of machinery for textile, apparel and
leather production (29.54)
• Manufacture of machinery for paper and paperboard
production (29.55)
• Manufacture of other special purpose machinery
n.e.c. (29.56)
6. Manufacture of weapons and ammunition (29.6)
7. Manufacture of domestic appliances n.e.c. (29.7)
• Manufacture of electric domestic appliances (29.71)
• Manufacture of non-electric domestic appliances
(29.72)
MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRICAL AND
OPTICAL EQUIPMENT. NACE DL.
1. Manufacture of office machinery and computers (30.0)
• Manufacture of office machinery (30.01)
• Manufacture of computers and other information
processing equipment (30.02)
2. Manufacture of electrical machinery and apparatus n.e.c.
(31)
• Manufacture of electric motors, generators and
transformers (31.1)
3. Manufacture of electricity distribution and control
apparatus (31.2)
4. Manufacture of insulated wire and cable (31.3)
5. Manufacture of accumulators, primary cells and primary
batteries (31.4)
6. Manufacture of lighting equipment and electric lamps
(31.5)
7. Manufacture of electrical equipment n.e.c. (31.6)
• Manufacture of electrical equipment for engines and
vehicles n.e.c. (31.61)
• Manufacture of other electrical equipment n.e.c.
(31.62)
5
Detailed List of Activities
8. Manufacture of radio, television and communication
equipment and apparatus (32)
• Manufacture of electronic valves and tubes and other
electronic components (32.1)
• Manufacture of television and radio transmitters
and apparatus for line telephony and line telegraphy
(32.2)
• Manufacture of television and radio receivers, sound
or video recording or reproducing apparatus and
associated goods (32.3)
9. Manufacture of medical, precision and optical
instruments, watches and clocks (33)
• Manufacture of medical and surgical equipment and
orthopaedic appliances (33.1)
• Manufacture of instruments and appliances for
measuring, checking, testing, navigating and other
purposes, except industrial process control
equipment (33.2)
• Manufacture of industrial process control equipment
(33.3)
• Manufacture of optical instruments and photographic
equipment (33.4)
• Manufacture of watches and clocks (33.5)
MANUFACTURE OF AIRCRAFT AND
SPACECRAFT. NACE 35.30.
MANUFACTURE OF FURNITURE;
MANUFACTURING N.E.C. NACE 36.
1. Manufacture of furniture (36.1)
• Manufacture of chairs and seats (36.11)
• Manufacture of other office and shop furniture
(36.12)
• Manufacture of other kitchen furniture (36.13)
• Manufacture of other furniture (36.14)
• Manufacture of mattresses (36.15)
2. Manufacture of jewellery and related articles (36.2)
• Striking of coins (36.21)
• Manufacture of jewellery and related articles n.e.c.
(36.22)
3. Manufacture of musical instruments (36.3)
4. Manufacture of sports goods (36.4)
5. Manufacture of games and toys (36.5)
6. Miscellaneous manufacturing n.e.c. (36.6)
• Manufacture of imitation jewellery (36.61)
• Manufacture of brooms and brushes (36.62)
• Other manufacturing n.e.c. (36.63)
RECYCLING. NACE 37.
1. Recycling of metal waste and scrap (37.1)
2. Recycling of non-metal waste and scrap (37.2)
WHOLESALE TRADE AND COMMISSION
TRADE. NACE 50 and 51.
1. Sale of motor vehicles (50.1)
2. Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles (50.2)
3. Sale of motor vehicle parts and accessories (50.3)
4. Sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related
parts and accessories (50.4)
5. Retail sale of automotive fuel (50.5)
6. Wholesale on a fee or contract basis (51.1)
• Agents involved in the sale of agricultural raw
materials, live animals, textile raw materials and
semi-finished goods (51.11)
• Agents involved in the sale of fuels, ores, metals and
industrial chemicals (51.12)
• Agents involved in the sale of timber and building
materials (51.13)
• Agents involved in the sale of machinery, industrial
equipment, ships and aircraft (51.14)
• Agents involved in the sale of furniture, household
goods, hardware and ironmongery (51.15)
• Agents involved in the sale of textiles, clothing,
footwear and leather goods (51.16)
• Agents involved in the sale of food, beverages and
tobacco (51.17)
• Agents specializing in the sale of particular products
or ranges of products n.e.c. (51.18)
• Agents involved in the sale of a variety of goods
(51.19)
7. Wholesale of agricultural raw materials and live animals
(51.2)
• Wholesale of grain, seeds and animal feeds (51.21)
• Wholesale of flowers and plants (51.22)
• Wholesale of live animals (51.23)
• Wholesale of hides, skins and leather (51.24)
• Wholesale of unmanufactured tobacco (51.25)
8. Wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco (51.3)
6
Information Bulletin
• Wholesale of fruit and vegetables (51.31)
• Wholesale of meat and meat products (51.32)
• Wholesale of dairy produce, eggs and edible oils and
fats (51.33)
• Wholesale of alcoholic and other beverages (51.34)
• Wholesale of tobacco products (51.35)
• Wholesale of sugar and chocolate and sugar
confectionery (51.36)
• Wholesale of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices (51.37)
• Wholesale of other food, including fish, crustaceans
and molluscs (51.38)
• Non-specialized wholesale of food, beverages and
tobacco (51.39)
9. Wholesale of household goods (51.4)
• Wholesale of textiles (51.41)
• Wholesale of clothing and footwear (51.42)
• Wholesale of electrical household appliances and
radio and television goods (51.43)
• Wholesale of china and glassware, wallpaper and
cleaning materials (51.44)
• Wholesale of perfume and cosmetics (51.45)
• Wholesale of pharmaceutical goods (51.46)
• Wholesale of other household goods (51.47)
10. Wholesale of non-agricultural intermediate products,
waste and scrap (51.5)
• Wholesale of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and
related products (51.51)
• Wholesale of metals and metal ores (51.52)
• Wholesale of wood, construction materials and
sanitary equipment (51.53)
• Wholesale of hardware, plumbing and heating
equipment and supplies (51.54)
• Wholesale of chemical products (51.55)
• Wholesale of other intermediate products (51.56)
• Wholesale of waste and scrap (51.57)
11. Wholesale of machinery, equipment and supplies (51.8)
• Wholesale of machine-tools (51.81)
• Wholesale of mining, construction and civil
engineering machinery (51.82)
• Wholesale of machinery for the textile industry and
of sewing and knitting machines (51.83)
• Wholesale of computers, computer peripheral
equipment and software (51.84).
• Wholesale of other office machinery and equipment
(51.85)
• Wholesale of other machinery for use in industry,
trade and navigation (51.87)
• Wholesale of agricultural machinery and accessories
and implements, including tractors (51.88)
12. Other wholesale (51.9)
PRODUCTION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY. NACE
40.10.
SERVICE ACTIVITIES:
TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND
COMMUNICATION. NACE I.
1. Land transport; transport via pipelines (60)
• Transport via railways (60.1)
• Other scheduled passenger land transport (60.21)
• Taxi operation (60.22)
• Other land passenger transport (60.23)
• Freight transport by road (60.24)
• Transport via pipelines (60.3)
2. Water transport (61)
3. Air transport (62)
• Scheduled air transport (62.1)
• Non-scheduled air transport (62.2)
• Space transport (62.3)
4. Supporting and auxiliary transport activities; activities of
travel agencies (63)
• Cargo handling (63.11)
• Storage and warehousing (63.12)
5. Other supporting transport activities (63.2)
• Other supporting land transport activities (63.21)
• Other supporting water transport activities (63.22)
• Other supporting air transport activities (63.23)
6. Activities of travel agencies and tour operators; tourist
assistance activities n.e.c. (63.3)
7. Activities of other transport agencies (63.4)
8. Post and courier activities (64.1)
• National post activities (64.11)
• Courier activities other than national post activities
(64.12)
9. Telecommunications (64.2)
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF MOTOR
VEHICLES. NACE 50.2.
7
Detailed List of Activities
* Co-ordination centres and intra-group services are excluded from the services included in NACE group 74.15 (“Other business activities”).
COMPUTER AND RELATED ACTIVITIES.
NACE 72.
1. Hardware consultancy (72.1)
2. Software consultancy and supply (72.2)
• Publishing of software (72.21)
• Other software consultancy and supply (72.22)
3. Data processing (72.3)
4. Database activities (72.4)
5. Maintenance and repair of office, accounting and
computing machinery (72.5)
6. Other computer related activities (72.6)
SERVICES RELATED TO THE EXPLOITATION
OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND WASTE
DISPOSAL. NACE N.E.C. (NOT ELSEWHERE
CLASSIFIED).
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. NACE 73.
1. Research and experimental development on natural
sciences and engineering (73.1)
2. Research and experimental development on social
sciences and humanities (73.2)
OTHER BUSINESS ACTIVITIES. NACE 74.
1. Legal activities (74.11)
2. Accounting, book-keeping and auditing activities; tax
consultancy (74.12)
3. Market research and public opinion polling (74.13)
4. Business and management consultancy activities (74.14)
5. Management activities of holding companies* (74.15)
6. Architectural and engineering activities and related
technical consultancy (74.2)
7. Technical testing and analysis (74.3)
8. Advertising (74.4)
9. Labour recruitment and provision of personnel (74.5)
10. Investigation and security activities (74.6)
11. Industrial cleaning (74.7)
12. Miscellaneous business activities n.e.c. (74.8)
• Photographic activities (74.81)
• Packaging activities (74.82)
• Secretarial and translation activities (74.85)
• Call centre activities (74.86)
• Other business activities n.e.c. (74.87)
SPECIALIZED AND POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
SERVICES. NACE 80.3 and 80.4.
1. Higher education (80.3)
2. Adult and other education (80.4)
• Driving school activities (80.41)
• Adult and other education n.e.c. (80.42)
MOTION PICTURE AND VIDEO PRODUCTION.
NACE 92.11.
RADIO AND TELEVISION ACTIVITIES. NACE
92.20.

Thomas Cook announce flight deals to Fuerteventura and the Canary Island

Thomas Cook are offering some great deals on flights to the Canaries with £20 off seats between February and April.

Flights to Fuerteventura can be found from as little as £51.99

These are fantastic prices for those wishing to find some winter sun and for property owners on the Canary islands looking to visit the UK for the winter sales.

Skyscanner reveals top 50 destinations for UK travellers

Travel search site www.skyscanner.com reveals the top 50 most searched for destinations from UK airports for travel in 2010.

In the top spot is Malaga, moving up one place from last year. Tenerife and Alicante are second and third, meaning Spain takes the top three positions.

Orlando is a new entry into the top ten, rising 12 places since last year. Dalaman holds its position as the 5th most searched for destination for a second year in a row, whist New York also brakes into the top 10, up five positions from last year.

Palma comes in 8th, losing one spot since last year; Lanzarote is 9th, rising four places, and Geneva is 10th, dropping two places.

Overall Spain is yet again the most popular country for Brits to visit, with 11 Spanish destinations within the top 50, five of which are in the top 10.

“These early indications show that Spain is still by far the most popular destination for British travellers. Medium and long haul locations also seem to be on the rise compared to last year, suggesting that holiday budgets may be growing after a tough financial year” said Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and business director.

Brand new entries to the top 10 are Johannesburg and Cape Town, which will be welcoming the World Cup in 2010. Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong also entered the top 50.

Destinations dropping most in search volume are Edinburgh, Salzburg, Murcia and London. Fuerteventura also fell in the rankings but the fall was dispraportionate to the year before because of Ryanair suspending its service. Other airlines stepped in, such as Easyjet, Palm Air, Monarch and Jet2 to fill the gap but not in time to halt the slide in the ranking. In the coming year Fuerteventura will be helped with the new airport terminal opening and the capability to welcome more flights to the island. Irish property owners and visitors will be helped with Ryanair reinstating its flights to the island in March 2010.

1. Malaga, (Spain) [+1]
2. Tenerife (Spain) [+2]
3. Alicante (Spain)[0]
4. Orlando (USA) [+12]
5. Dalaman (Turkey) [0]
6. Faro (Portugal) [0]
7. New York (USA) [+5]
8. Palma (Spain) [-1]
9. Lanzarote (Spain) [+4]
10. Geneva (Switzerland) [-2]

11. Bangkok (Thailand) [+11]
12. Paphos (Cyprus) [-3]
13. Barcelona (Spain) [+1]
14. London (UK) [-13]
15. Bodrum (Turkey) [-4]
16. Paris (France) [+1]
17. Rome (Italy) [-2]
18. Gran Canaria (Spain) [+1]
19. Larnaca (Cyprus) [+1]
20. Sydney (Australia) [+7]

21. Johannesburg (South Africa) [New Entry]
22. Amsterdam (Netherlands) [-4]
23. Murcia (Spain) [-13]
24. Dublin (Ireland) [-1]
25. Ibiza (Spain) [+5]
26. Prague (Czech Republic) [-2]
27. Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) [+11]
28. Auckland (New Zealand) [+11]
29. Venice (Italy) [+4]
30. Luqa (Malta) [+5]



31. Krakow (Poland) [-5]
32. Las Vegas (USA) [+13]
33. Cape Town (South Africa) [New Entry]
34. Melbourne (Australia) [New Entry]
35. Fuerteventura (Spain) [-10]
36. Berlin (Germany) [+1]
37. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) [New Entry]
38. Marrakech (Morocco) [-9]
39. Milan (Italy) [-7]
40. Dubai (UAE) [New Entry]

41. Madrid (Spain) [-5]
42. Hong Kong (Hong Kong) [New Entry]
43. Perth (Australia) [New Entry]
44. Edinburgh (UK) [-16]
45. Munich (Germany) [New Entry]
46. Salzburg (Austria) [-15]
47. Crete (Greece) [-6]
48. Brisbane (Australia) [New Entry]
49. Sofia (Bulgaria) [-2]
50. Nice (France) [-2]

About Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a leading travel search site based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Skyscanner provides instant online comparison on flight prices for over 670,000 routes on over 600 airlines, as well as car hire, hotel and holiday price comparison. With Skyscanner, users can browse without having to enter specific dates or even destinations, and Skyscanner is available in 20 different languages including French, German and Spanish.

International Business Opportunity with leading real estate company in the Canary Islands

Are you looking for a lifestyle change with High Rewards?
Do you want to run your own business and be supported by one of the most experienced Real Estate Companies in the Canary Islands?

GoldAcre Estates is looking for partners to fuel our expansion program in the Canary Islands.

Our Partnership program is looking to offer exciting opportunities to selected individuals that want to run their own business in the Canary Islands with ongoing existing business available for franchise.
Low Initial start up costs,Full Training and Ongoing Support provided.

Take the initiative today and invest in your career and lifestyle for a future in the sun!

For further details e-mail nicolast@goldacre-estates.com

Ryanair announce New Route From Bornemouth to Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Ryanair has confirmed today, 18 December, that it will operate ten routes from Fuerteventura from March 2010 to Bornemouth, Brussels ,Dublin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Hahn), Glasgow (Prestwick) , Liverpool, Madrid, Milan (Bergamo), and Pisa. The airline stated that the new routes will generate 300,000 new passengers and create 300 jobs in Fuerteventura in the Canary islands.

Ryanair celebrates its return to Fuerteventura a special discount program of 500,000 seats for 5 € for for January, valid for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, until midnight Sunday 20 December at www.ryanair.com

Today in Fuerteventura Michael Cawley, Ryanair's vice president said, "At Ryanair we are delighted to return to Fuerteventura with ten new routes and also to extend existing routes to the Canary Islands throughout our summer season of 2010, thus we continue to offer even lower rates, competition and freedom of choice to passengers and visitors to the Canary Islands".

2009/2010 Currency Round-Up from Currencies Direct

Watching the price action between Sterling/Euro over the past few months has been like trying to push a dinosaur uphill - slow and frustrating! However, as we end the year it looks like Sterling has moved away from the threat of parity and should mover higher in 2010 with the potential for a 15 % appreciation against the Euro.

The recent bout of Sterling weakness was partly fuelled by comments from the Bank of England(BoE), underling the fact that a weak currency was crucial if the UK was to not only export its way out of the global economic slump, but it would also make the UK a much more attractive proposition for overseas investors.

A clear sign then from the BoE that a weak pound was of no real concern and something they would not look to prevent. With the UK enjoying extremely flexible labour laws and a fairly resistant consumer, the BoE is looking for the pound to take the “bad medicine “ahead of the Euro and bounce back in 2010.


The data coming out of the euro zone has been patchy to say the least, with the strong data out of Germany and France overshadowing the weak data from the rest of the member states,and following the problems in Greece growth in the euro zone in 2010 could lag behind that of the USA and Japan again a problem weighing on the single currency The ratification of the Lisbon treaty by the Irish has gone mainly unnoticed by the currency markets, as it was seen as a forgone conclusion. Going into 2010 what will be of most interest, is how the different member states handle their economies. It was very easy for the European Central Bank (ECB) to slash rates along with the rest of the world. However, as the global economy starts to gather pace, not all member sates will relish higher interest rates. Ireland, Greece, Portugal and Spain will not welcome higher rates and the Germans, with their huge budget surplus, have stated they will not be prepared to subsidise other member states. It could prove a real test of the “European dream”.

In the current climate, currency markets overreact and that is why a move to parity still cannot be ruled out. However, if the UK economy starts to grow and the ever increasing fiscal debt can continue to be sold into the world markets, then a strong move higher in 2010 will happen . With the threat of a double dip recession upon us, and unemployment continuing to rise in the UK and the Euro Zone, it could be the flexibility and agility of the UK economy against the one size fits all policy of the Euro Zone that sparks this move higher.

2010 will prove to be a real test for Europe as the weaker member states who have mishandled their economies during the good times find the currency markets will be very unforgiving in the bad times.

Source- Keith Spitalnick, Currency Direct

New Yacht Marina Is To Be Constructed In Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

A new yacht marina is to be constructed in Corralejo, Fuerteventura which will provide 650 private moorings in an adventurous expansion plan of the present harbour. The project, which will be funded by the Canarian Government, is in the early stages of planning but it is hoped that it will go out to tender early next year.

Corralejo harbour is one of the busiest in the Canaries with over a million passengers a year using the ferry link to Lanzarote and the project will ensure that increasing passenger demand can be met.

The scheme will create two new commercial jetties and a multi purpose water sports building as well as the marina. Once the construction work begins it is expected to take around two years to complete.

This is good news for home owners and investors as marinas are sort after locations for property purchasers and the construction of the new marina will mean that homes in the immediate area will be at a premium.

Where Is Your Pound going in Spanish Real Estate today

Keith Spitalnick Business Development Manager of Currencies Direct predicts an upward trend for the Value of sterling against the euro by the year end. This is good news for Spanish Real Estate and people looking to buy property in the Canary Islands and Spain, prices could not be better as many new properties today are being offered at discounts and of course you have very good prices on some resale properties from people that are having to sell their Spanish property.

Read Keith full story and prediction of how he sees sterling moving, Keith commented, I keep getting asked is where I see GBP/EUR headed by then. I personally feel that GBP/EUR is in an upward trend however the language from the Bank of England is holding it back, trying to hold the pound low. After Christmas sterling could start to rally. 1.1500 is my short term target.


It’s been another busy week for GBP/EUR as the fallout from the latest Quarterly Inflation report was digested in the papers; the Banks assessment for growth is now twice the latest consensus of their panel of independent forecasters and their predictions for inflation and interest rate levels over the next couple of years have been revised sharply higher. This helped to boost the pound ahead of the Bank of England minutes last Wednesday. The pound also rallied as we saw the UK inflation numbers come in higher than expected. This gave Sterling a strong boost all round, on expectations that, with inflation “surging”, rates might have to be raised sooner rather than later. I think that this is an unlikely scenario and that Base Rates will remain at these low levels until the 3rd quarter next year, possibly longer.


The Euro was not so fortunate with comments from ECB president Trichet rattling the euro. He commented that the fiscal situation in some European countries is so bad that there is a danger that markets will lose faith in them. At last a bit of plain talking from the ECB! In addition we saw the Euro current account showing a deficit of €5.4 billion - this was concerning as it identified a surge in imports and slumping exports; this could bring the strength of the euro back to the fore as a red flag for the ECB. If this issue is raised it could start to turn the tide on recent euro strength…

Unfortunately the pound could not hold onto its gains after peaking at 1.13. This was due to the split decision from the Bank of England who were split three ways on the November Quantitative Easing vote. 7 backed the £25 billion increase, David Miles wanted a £40 billion increase and Spencer Dale wanted no change. This undermined sterling which immediately dropped over half a cent against the USD and the Euro. The split has highlighted the indecision on future policy and this is hardly surprising given the implications on monetary policy decisions within the current economic climate.

So overall its the same old problems hurting the pound in the form of QE and concern over public debt. However it is widely expected that UK GDP will be revised higher next week for the third quarter and that fourth quarter data will show an exit from the recession...therefore the pound should start to perform better going forward. Last week we also witnessed one or two red flags from the Euro zone and the recent support of the euro against the US dollar could wane if more concerns arise...this would certainly play into GBP/EUR gains.



www.currenciesdirect.com

Cheaper Airfares with - Aer Lingus to Canary Islands, From Dublin To Fuerteventura And Belfast to Tenerife….

New flights by Aer Lingus from Dublin to Fuerteventura and Belfast to Tenerife will begin in October, brings big relief to overseas property buyers, despite plans to cut planes from some of its other routes.
Aer Lingus advanced bookings for flights to the Canary Islands has been good and it is anticipated by the airline operator that their main passengers will be people looking to purchase Real Estate or to rent holiday property independently from tour operators in the Canaries.

There is a trend now in Fuerteventura for tourists to be moving away from the all inclusive packages to finding their own apartments or villas to rent, it has been reported by Room To Breathe a local management and letting agent in Fuerteventura that they are finding increasing numbers of enquiries for rural holidays in Fuerteventura.