Spain is on track for a record-breaking tourist season, welcoming over 33 million international visitors in the first five months of 2024. This represents a significant 13.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023, solidifying Spain’s position as a top global tourist destination. The National Statistics Institute (INE) reported that tourist expenditure reached over 43,200 million euros, a remarkable 21.8% rise from the previous year, highlighting the substantial economic impact of this tourism boom.
The United Kingdom continues to be Spain’s largest source market, attracting over 6.3 million British tourists between January and May, marking a 10.6% increase. France and Germany follow closely, with 4.42 million and 4.41 million tourists, respectively. Notably, the Belgian and Irish markets have shown impressive growth, with increases of 20.3% and nearly 19% respectively, indicating a widening appeal of Spain to new visitor demographics.
May 2024 witnessed a particularly strong influx of tourists, with 9.3 million international visitors, an 11.5% increase from May 2023. These tourists spent 11,687 million euros, a 19.7% increase compared to the same month last year. The average visitor spent 1,263 euros, reflecting a 7.3% rise from last year, and daily expenditure increased by 8.6% to 204 euros. The average length of stay remained consistent at six days, demonstrating a sustained interest in exploring Spain’s diverse offerings.
Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism, emphasized the positive economic impact of this growth, highlighting the increase in average spending per visitor. He stated, “The increase in average spending per visitor is remarkable, growing above inflation and contributing to the modernization, sustainability, and quality of employment in the sector.” The minister also acknowledged the higher growth rates in visits to inland destinations compared to the Mediterranean and the islands, signifying a shift in tourist preferences towards exploring less traditional areas of Spain.
Regional data reveals that Catalonia was the most popular destination in May, attracting 22% of the total visitors. The Balearic Islands followed closely with 21.6%, and Andalusia with 14.6%. Catalonia saw a 5.9% increase in tourist numbers from May 2023, while the Balearic Islands and Andalusia experienced increases of 11.1% and 11.4%, respectively, showcasing the diverse appeal of different regions within Spain.
Cumulative data for 2024 further emphasizes the strong performance of Spain’s tourism sector. During the first five months of 2024, Catalonia received 7.1 million tourists, an increase of 13.1% compared to the same period in 2023. The Canary Islands welcomed 6.5 million tourists, up by 10.7%, and Andalusia saw 4.9 million tourists, a 12.9% rise. In terms of expenditure, the UK led with 17.1% of the total, followed by Germany with 13% and France with 7.8%, highlighting the significant contribution of these key markets to Spain’s tourism revenue.
Spending by British tourists increased by 16.2% annually, while German and French tourists’ spending grew by 18% and 17.7%, respectively. This significant rise in expenditure from key markets underscores Spain’s attractiveness as a premier travel destination, offering a compelling blend of cultural experiences, historical sites, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
Minister Hereu reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainability, decentralization, and deseasonalization to maintain Spain’s top position as an international tourist destination. He emphasized ongoing efforts to modernize the tourism sector, ensuring its long-term sustainability and economic contribution to the country’s growth and prosperity. This commitment to responsible tourism practices will play a crucial role in ensuring Spain’s continued success as a leading travel destination.
