Over the past twenty years the Canaries have been one of the primary holiday destinations for Europeans seeking warmer winter weather, without having to travel too far. Of course weather is a key consideration for any location trying to establish itself as a holiday destination and the Canaries are almost unique in Europe in benefitting from warm dry weather for most of the year. The length of fine weather periods is also very important in terms of how viable a holiday resort can be for any businesses that rely on tourism.