.Alejandro Jorge: Being Spain’s municipality with the highest average overnight stays isn’t a coincidence
.# Alejandro Jorge: “Being the municipality with the highest average overnight stay in Spain is no coincidence”
Pájara returns to the top of the national tourism map
“The tourist who comes to Spain stays more days on average in Pájara than in any other national territory, and that is not achieved by pure chance or a lucky break,” the councilor said. In his view, these figures are the result of “constant, balanced and sustained work over time,” where public institutions, the business sector, and citizens converge.
Jorge emphasized the unity of the Fuerteventura destination as one of the main values defended at the fair.
“We want to send a clear message: we must sell Fuerteventura as a whole. When we compete united, we can look eye‑to‑eye with other great world destinations,” he noted, while also warning of the need to maintain humility and continuous improvement.
One of the indicators that validates this positioning is the increase in average daily spend per visitor. In Fuerteventura it rose from €140 per person per day in 2024 to figures approaching €180 today. According to Tourism Councilor Tina Da Silva, this growth is directly linked to the renewal of the accommodation stock—now 80‑90 % modernized—and to a transversal tourism strategy, “because tourism is transversal,” she emphasized.
“Tourism is not the exclusive work of the tourism department. All municipal areas have something to say to the visitor: cleanliness, accessibility, public works, culture, commerce, energy, or education,” Da Silva asserted, adding that “when a municipality works in a coordinated way, the goal is reached faster and the return is greater.”
The private sector backs the municipality
Jorge highlighted that private‑sector confidence depends heavily on public management.
“Investors need to see that institutions are doing things right. Without seriousness and planning, there is no investment,” he stressed, also pointing to the role of the Cabildo and the Tourism Board in key areas such as air connectivity and infrastructure.
The progressive urban‑environment improvement plan, launched at the start of the term in June 2023, was praised by the Pájara City Council. Jorge detailed actions such as the refurbishment of squares and avenues, green spaces, fences, and the urban viewpoint route, as well as a boost to the cleaning service, whose contract increased from €2.5 million to €5 million.
“We cannot ask the tourism sector to invest hundreds of millions and then fail to do our part,” he remarked.
A flagship project is the Morro Jable Tourism Office, a long‑awaited facility that began operating a year ago and, according to Da Silva, serves 30‑40 people daily, contributing to the economic dynamism of the urban core.
“Tourists no longer stay only in the hotel; they come down to the town, spend on restaurants and shops, and get to know the destination better,” she explained.
Diversifying the tourism offer was another pillar of the discourse. Culture, heritage, trails, viewpoints, museums, and water sports form a strategy aimed at extending stays and enriching visitor experience. The potential of the Pepe Dámaso Arts Space and the hosting of international sporting events linked to the sea and trade winds were highlighted.
The interview also addressed competitiveness challenges, especially from emerging destinations like Morocco.
“We have very close competitors that are stepping up hard, so we cannot afford to sleep on the job,” Da Silva warned, insisting on the need for innovation and differentiation.
Looking ahead, the mayor confirmed ongoing work on connecting the port with Morro Jable Avenue, a key infrastructure for urban and tourism integration that awaits approval and funding from other administrations.
To conclude, both officials stressed the necessity of strengthening a model that improves both the destination and the quality of life for residents.