Canary Islands Audiovisual Sector Emerges as Major Economic Pillar
The Canary Islands' audiovisual sector has transformed into a major economic pillar, contributing 3% to the regional GDP and establishing the archipelago as a globally recognized hub for animation and high-tech production.
The audiovisual industry in the Canary Islands has evolved from a simple filming location into a vital pillar of the regional economy. Recent data shows the sector now accounts for 2.7% to 3% of the region’s GDP, supporting 14,000 jobs and generating €440 million in revenue last year.
This growth marks a shift from basic logistics to a fully integrated industry. Several factors have driven this success: the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) tax incentives have attracted significant foreign investment, while a coordinated strategy between the public and private sectors has helped the islands compete on the global stage. Tenerife-based studio 3Doubles, known for 3D animation projects like SuperKlaus and Heidi: Rescue of the Lynx, is a prime example of the high-level technical expertise now based in the region.
The industry is supported by a strong pipeline of university and vocational training, ensuring a steady supply of skilled talent. The local audiovisual cluster has expanded rapidly, growing from 58 companies in 2020 to 130 today. About 30 of these firms are part of an internationalization program led by Proexca, which has already secured €40 million in long-term investment commitments.
Looking ahead, the sector aims to maintain this momentum on the international stage. Seventeen Canarian studios are set to attend the MIFA animation market in France this June, with further appearances planned at major events in A Coruña, Cologne, San Sebastián, and Tokyo.
Government officials emphasize that this is a long-term strategic commitment to high-value fields like visual effects, animation, and video games. By establishing itself as the world’s second-largest hub for animation production, the Canary Islands has proven that its public-private partnership model is a success, earning recognition from major global industry players, including those in Hollywood.