Spanish 
Dutch 
French 
German 
Norwegian Bokmål 
Polish 
Swedish
Spain is experiencing a remarkable surge in international tourism, with a record-breaking number of visitors arriving throughout the first 11 months of 2024. This growth has led to a significant boost in the country’s economy, with total tourist spending reaching an astounding €118 billion, a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The figures represent a milestone in the recovery and ongoing strength of Spain’s tourism sector, which continues to be one of the country’s most important economic drivers.
During the first 11 months of 2024, Spain welcomed 88.5 million international tourists. This is a jump of two million more visitors than the total recorded for the entirety of 2023. As a result, the tourism sector is once again proving its resilience, with Spain reaffirming its position as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
Between January and November, these visitors spent a combined total of nearly €120 billion, which has provided a major boost to local businesses, industries, and employment. This surge represents not only a recovery from the impacts of the pandemic but also a sustained upward trend in global travel.
One of the most striking aspects of this growth is the expansion beyond the high season. Traditionally, Spain sees its highest number of tourists during the summer months, but this trend is evolving. In November 2024, the country welcomed 5.7 million tourists—an increase of 10.3% compared to the same month in 2023.
This off-season boom was reflected in the higher-than-expected tourist spending, which reached €7.7 billion, a 16% increase from the previous year. The average daily expenditure of international tourists stood at €178, showcasing the continued appeal of Spain as a destination for long-term stays and luxury travel.
The most significant source markets for Spain continue to be the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Visitors from the United Kingdom alone accounted for over 17.5 million of the total international arrivals, marking a 7.1% increase from the previous year.
The proximity of the UK to Spain, coupled with competitive flight options and a well-established travel infrastructure, makes Spain a top choice for British tourists. French and German visitors also continue to flock to Spain, contributing millions more arrivals to the total count.
These three countries have historically dominated Spain’s international tourism numbers, and this trend shows no sign of changing.
The regions of Spain that have benefited most from this influx of tourists include Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. Catalonia remains the most visited region, attracting 18.9 million tourists, an increase of 9.9% compared to 2023.
The Balearic Islands, including popular destinations such as Mallorca and Ibiza, saw 15.1 million visitors, a 6.1% rise. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands experienced 13.8 million visits, reflecting a 9.6% increase. These regions are well-known for their diverse offerings, including historical cities, cultural landmarks, beautiful beaches, and year-round pleasant weather, making them perennial favorites for international travelers.
Tourism expenditure across these regions reveals how crucial this sector is to the local economies. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the highest tourism spending occurred in Catalonia, which accounted for 18.9% of the total, followed by the Canary Islands with 17.4% and the Balearic Islands with 16.7%.
These figures highlight the central role that international tourism plays in Spain’s economy, with major regions benefiting significantly from visitor spending on everything from accommodations and dining to transportation and leisure activities.
However, there have been some challenges along the way. For example, the region of Valencia was particularly affected by the “Dana” storm, which impacted tourism in that area. Despite this setback, Valencia remains one of Spain’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
With 11.2 million visits in total, Valencia experienced a 15.5% increase for the year. In November, growth slowed slightly to 4.2%, which was significantly lower than the double-digit growth seen in other regions of the country.
These figures underscore the central importance of tourism to Spain’s broader economic landscape. Tourism in 2023 accounted for 12.3% of Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributing a total of €184 billion to the economy. This represents a 0.9% increase compared to 2022, further cementing tourism as a pillar of Spain’s economic stability.
Additionally, tourism supports over 2.5 million jobs, or 11.6% of total employment, making it a crucial sector for job creation and economic opportunity.
Despite ongoing criticism and protests related to overcrowding in popular tourist areas, Spain’s tourism industry has remained resilient. The country’s commitment to improving infrastructure, addressing the challenges of sustainable tourism, and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of visitors has helped maintain its global appeal.
Furthermore, as global travel continues to recover from the pandemic, Spain’s tourism sector appears well-positioned to capitalize on growing demand.
In conclusion, Spain’s tourism sector is flourishing, with record-breaking numbers of international visitors and a substantial increase in tourism spending. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany continue to dominate the flow of tourists, while Spain’s regions like Catalonia, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands are reaping the economic benefits.
The tourism industry’s contribution to Spain’s GDP and employment figures highlights its critical role in the country’s economy. Despite challenges, such as weather-related disruptions, the sector’s growth is a testament to Spain’s enduring popularity as a travel destination and its ability to adapt to changing global trends.
Spanish Dutch French German Norwegian Bokmål Polish Swedish
