Spain is experiencing an unprecedented boom in tourism in 2024, with record-breaking visitor numbers and spending exceeding expectations. In the first eight months of the year, the country welcomed over 64.3 million international travelers, representing an impressive 11.2% growth compared to the same period in 2023. This surge in tourism is not only reflected in visitor numbers but also in spending, which has soared by a substantial 17.6%, reaching €86.47 billion by the end of August.
The influx of tourists has continued throughout the summer months. August alone witnessed a remarkable 7.3% increase in international arrivals, with 10.9 million tourists gracing Spain’s shores. This robust growth, mirroring the trend seen in July, contributed significantly to the overall figures, making July and August the peak months for international arrivals, accounting for 33% of all visitors between January and August. Tourist spending in August reached €15.36 billion, a 13% increase from the same month in 2023. The average spend per tourist climbed to €1,405, reflecting a 5.3% rise year-over-year, while daily spending also saw an 8.8% jump, reaching €188.
The United Kingdom, France, and Germany consistently rank among the top sources of tourists visiting Spain. In the first eight months of 2024, the United Kingdom led with nearly 12.7 million visitors, a 7.8% increase from the same period in 2023. Following closely were France with 9.2 million visitors (+10.1%) and Germany with over 8 million tourists (+9.3%).
Spain’s autonomous regions have also benefited from the tourism boom, each exhibiting varying growth trends. Catalonia remains the top destination, attracting 13.7 million visitors, reflecting a 9.7% increase from the previous year. The Balearic Islands followed closely with 11.2 million tourists, up by 6.2%, while the Canary Islands welcomed 9.9 million visitors, marking a 10.3% rise.
Valencia and Madrid emerged as the regions with the highest growth rates. Valencia experienced a remarkable 17.4% increase in international arrivals, with 8.2 million tourists visiting the region by August. Similarly, Madrid saw a 17% rise, hosting 5.8 million visitors compared to the same period last year. The surge in tourism has also had a positive impact on job creation, boosting employment within Spain’s tourism sector.
Catalonia’s tourism performance in August was particularly noteworthy, drawing 2,287,846 international visitors, marking a 6.2% increase compared to August 2023. Tourist spending in the region reached €3.06 billion, an 8.8% rise year-on-year. Visitors to Catalonia spent an average of €213 per day, a 6.63% increase over the previous August, with an average stay of 6.28 days. On a per capita basis, tourists spent €1,336, reflecting a 2.42% rise from the previous year.
The Balearic Islands took the lead in terms of international tourist share in August, accounting for 22.38% of Spain’s total arrivals. Catalonia followed closely with 20.93%, while Andalusia captured 14.66% of the total.
Spain’s tourism sector continues its strong recovery in 2024, with record-breaking visitor numbers and increased spending, positioning the country for continued global tourism leadership by year-end.
