Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Hotels and City Guide

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - Business Tips

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's Local Economy

Las Palmas is joint capital of the Canary Islands with Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and one of the largest cities in Spain with just under half a million inhabitants. While the island may be seen as a holiday destination, the city of Las Palmas has a burgeoning economy which is heavily reliant both on tourism and its port, as well as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism-related service industries.

Unlike most other cities and resorts in the archipelago, Las Palmas has a large industrial sector and all of good and bad impacts which come with this. The city has some crime spots and there can be flotsam due to the many shipping and cruise vessels using the port, however it is also a financial hub for the island and provides many jobs outside of the tourism industry.

Business Etiquette

Dress Code
Despite the warmer-than-average temperatures, smart business dress is still the norm hence you should always pack a suit or at least smart shirt and jacket to wear to any business meetings.

Greeting Someone
Always address your Spanish business partners as Señor for Mr, and Señorafor Mrs or Señorita for Miss, followed by their surname. Ensure that you learn how to pronounce any difficult surnames beforehand. Business cards should be printed in both Spanish and English.

Business Hours and Banking
Most banks and business are open from 9am until 1pm, when shops usually close for lunchtime break or siesta for a few hours. Banks tend to stay closed for the rest of the day, while shops and restaurants re-open circa 4pm. Normal office hours can also be disrupted during religious festivals and carnivals.

Hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain