Winter Pride 2025 Sets New Record for Gran Canaria
The 2025 Winter Pride festival in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, has cemented its status as one of the most important tourist and socio-cultural events in the Canary Islands and Europe. According to a report by economist Antonio José Olivera Herrera, the festival generated a record-breaking economic impact of €72,745,999. This remarkable figure underscores the event’s role as a major driver for the local economy and a powerful showcase for the island.
A Major Draw for International Visitors
Attracting 44,000 participants, primarily international tourists who stayed an average of nine nights, the festival provided a significant boost to key sectors including accommodation, dining, retail, transport, and entertainment. The report highlights that Winter Pride generated 356,400 overnight stays, with 70% of visitors coming from abroad. This influx translated into €45.9 million in direct and indirect spending within the local economy.
Broadcast Reach and Social Media Buzz
The 2025 edition also amplified Gran Canaria’s profile through extensive media coverage. The live broadcast of the Pride Walk on TVE’s La 2 channel reached an average of 114,000 viewers, with a total of 1,432,000 television contacts during the transmission. Furthermore, social media promotion by performing artists reached a combined audience of over 4.3 million followers, spreading the vibrant energy of Maspalomas worldwide.
An Economic Powerhouse and Cultural Beacon
Beyond the direct spending, the festival activated multiple sectors of the Canarian economy, creating an additional €23.7 million in induced effects. The report emphasizes that the LGBTQ+ community is one of the tourist segments with the highest spending at their destination, reinforcing Gran Canaria’s competitiveness as a leading European hub for diverse tourism.
“These results confirm that Winter Pride is much more than a festival: it is an economic, tourist, social, and branding engine for the Canary Islands,” said the director of Winter Pride, Emiel Wijnberg. “We are proud to continue offering a safe, inclusive, and top-tier event that boosts the local economy and projects our values to the world.” The event has undeniably strengthened Gran Canaria’s image as a diverse, modern, and inclusive destination for all travelers.
