Spain set a new tourism milestone in 2024, with 94 million international visitors flocking to the country—a 10% increase compared to 2023. This achievement strengthens Spain’s position as Europe’s second-most visited destination, edging closer to overtaking France, which currently leads the U.N. World Tourism Barometer rankings. Despite challenges, including natural disasters and ongoing protests against overtourism, Spain’s tourism economy soared to unprecedented levels.
Tourism Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Spain’s tourism sector demonstrated remarkable resilience despite catastrophic events such as severe flooding in Valencia and Mallorca, which caused extensive damage to communities and infrastructure. Additionally, widespread protests by locals against overtourism—citing housing shortages, rising rents, and environmental damage—did not deter visitors. Valencia, despite its hardships, was crowned Europe’s best city destination for the second consecutive year by Condé Nast readers.
In 2024, the country generated a record-breaking €126 billion ($129.8 billion) in tourism revenue, surpassing 2023’s €108.7 billion ($117 billion). The Tourism Ministry identified the year as the second-best since the pre-pandemic peak of 2019, solidifying Spain’s position as one of the world’s premier travel destinations.
Culture and Culinary Appeal Drive Tourism Growth
While Spain’s sun-soaked beaches remain iconic, the 2024 tourism trend showed a shift in visitor preferences. Around 32% of international tourists prioritized cultural and culinary experiences over traditional beach holidays. Regions such as Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and Valencia continued to attract millions despite infrastructure strains caused by overtourism and last year’s natural disasters.
However, questions linger about whether Spain can sustain its tourism growth. Valencia, for example, faces challenges in accommodating more visitors as it recovers from catastrophic flooding. Other regions, such as Barcelona and the Mediterranean coast, are under pressure from residents who demand a sustainable tourism model to combat the negative impacts of mass tourism.
A Balancing Act: Tourism Growth vs. Sustainability
Spain’s popularity as a global travel hotspot has come at a cost. Locals have voiced frustration over overcrowded destinations, disrespectful tourist behavior, and the strain on housing markets. Protests, vandalism of tourist properties, and new restrictions on short-term rentals underscore growing tensions. Despite these efforts to curb mass tourism, the sector continues to thrive, driven by visitors from the United States, United Kingdom, Latin America, and Asia.
The Tourism Ministry predicts 26 million tourists will visit Spain in the first four months of 2025 alone, even before the peak travel seasons of spring and summer. This suggests continued growth, though the government and local communities are pushing for policies to regulate tourism more sustainably.
What to Expect for Travelers in 2025
As Spain prepares for another busy tourism year, visitors should anticipate new restrictions aimed at reducing the impact of mass tourism. Travelers may also encounter disruptions in areas like Valencia, where recovery from last year’s flooding is ongoing. Despite these challenges, Spain remains a top destination for its vibrant culture, renowned cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.
For those planning to visit, it’s essential to respect local regulations and support sustainable tourism practices to ensure Spain continues to thrive as Europe’s premier travel destination.
