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Government officials have said thousands of British tourists are expected to head for La Palma this year. The island was hit by a three month long volcanic eruption in 2021.

Officials said there was “tremendous interest” in the island as an exciting Spanish tourist destination.

They added that national and international airlines had expressed interest in putting on new flights.

Mariano Zapata, president of La Palma’s Government, said: “Our island is what people want in this post-pandemic era: nature, sustainability and places that are far from overcrowding.”

They added that “La Palma was a safe destination” for tourists who wanted to explore its sights.

Tourism councillor, Raúl Camacho, said: “The volcano has placed La Palma on the world map, while it has aroused the interest of travellers to come and visit it and discover what is now the youngest territory in Spain.

“We have been able to confirm the interest of tour operators and the general public in our island, which we trust will be the chosen destination in 2022.”

The eruption in the Cumbre Vieja area of the island started erupting on September 19 in 2021.

It affected eight percent of the island and destroyed over 1,000 homes as well as engulfing farms and churches.

Since December 13, the eruption has been in the post-eruptive state but many of the 7,000 people evacuated have been unable to return to their homes.

This is due to the continued emission of toxic gases from the site which can be very dangerous.

Earthquakes are now at a low magnitude on the island but experts said: “The occurrence of felt earthquakes cannot be ruled out.”

Scientists have said the edges of lava flows from the volcano have recorded temperatures as high as 500 degrees.

Work has already started on La Palma to rebuild homes, roads and infrastructure although freeing homes from under the lava will be challenging.

While the eruption was ongoing, many volcano tourists travelled from neighbouring islands to witness it.

Although some residents said they were glad of the visitors, others were angered by the intrusion.

Many La Palma residents lost their homes and livelihoods in the eruption and have not yet been able to return.

Volcano tourism is growing in popularity and is already well established in areas such as Hawaii and New Zealand.

Demian Barrios, a ‘lava chaser’ based in Hawaii, told Express.co.uk: “There’s just something magical and mesmerising about watching the lava.”

Although it can be done safely, volcanic tourism carries risks and 22 people died in 2019 when a volcano in New Zealand erupted.

Tourists were on the volcano at the time of the eruption which took local authorities by surprise.

Additional reporting by Rita Sobot.

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