Tenerife has gone bananas -- literally.

After all, what is a tropical island to do with an excess of bananas? This popular tourist destination has come up with a unique way of branding itself upon the minds of its holidaymakers and sun seekers, while at the same time promoting one of its major agricultural products.

Talk about a unique marketing campaign. The plan was hatched by officials in the Cabildo of Tenerife to lure tourists from abroad and give them a welcome to the tropical island that they won't forget, and to promote its tourist information hotline, Infoturismo Tenerife. Once travellers disembark at Tenerife Airport, they will be invited to pick up a box along with their travel bags. The boxes that are being distributed each contain three authentic Canary Islands bananas, along with a letter welcoming them to Tenerife, as well as the number for Information Turismo.

If indeed tourists wish to "go bananas" on the island of Tenerife, there is certainly no shortage of ways to do so. Tenerife, billed by one of the island's private tourism promoters as "one of the last European paradise isles," has plenty to keep holidaymakers busy. While most people are drawn to vacation on Tenerife for its sunny climate and stunning beaches, they always find there's much more to Tenerife than sand and surf.

Tourists who wish to enjoy the natural beauty of this tropical paradise won't want to miss Tenerife's world famous Teide National Park (Parque Nacional de las Caadas del Teide), home to Mount Teide's 48 K. circumference volcanic crater. Whether you visit Tenerife in summer or in winter, Teide National Park boasts gorgeous landscapes and breathtaking mountain views.

History buffs would do well to visit La Laguna, the ancient capital of Tenerife until 1723, and still considered today to be the cultural and religious capital of the island. Home to many important landmarks and icons, including the historic Bishop's Palace, which was nearly completely destroyed by a spectacular fire in early 2006, La Laguna's rich past, will delight every tourist who has a fancy for legend and lore.

There are even attractions for the youngest of tourists and their families which will enrich as well as delight.

Parents and children will enjoy Loro Parque, which houses the world's largest parrot collection, with over 300 species of this colorful bird to view. In addition to its brilliant birds, Loro Parque is also home to dozens of other animal species and aquarium creatures. And when it's time to unwind without the children, travelers can dine and dance in one of Tenerife's many exotic restaurants and night clubs. These and many more sights await tourists who are looking for the best of culture, entertainment, and leisure.

So when you arrive at Reina Sofia Airport in Tenerife, be sure to pick up your welcome package before you begin your holiday. The banana campaign, which began in October, plans to give out over 30,000 kilos of bananas to its visitors. Be sure to take advantage of the Inforturismo Tenerife, which has services available in several major languages. And of course, go bananas!