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Spain welcomed a record 97 million foreign tourists last year, up 3.5% since 2014, with spending leaping 6.8% to €134.71 billion. A new CaixaBank research report shows how luxury travellers, a mere 3% of arrivals, drive 20% of it all. Defined by daily outlays at least ten times the norm, they average €731 per day compared to €46 for most visitors. It's a smart pivot towards sustainable growth that the sector's been nurturing for years.

 

Coastal hotspots still reign supreme for these big spenders, grabbing 61% of their cash. Adeje in Tenerife tops the list at €838 daily, followed by Marbella (€792), Calvià in Mallorca (€729), Sant Josep de Sa Talaia in Ibiza (€703), Palma (€673) and Málaga (€667). These spots thrive on the high-end trade.

 

Cities are making real gains though. Non-coastal urban areas now claim 24.4% of luxury spending, up from 16.4% in 2019, and depend on it for 23% of foreign tourist money. Madrid leads with 18.7% of high-end euros at €727 a day - these guests now fuel 31.3% of the capital's tourist spend. "In recent years, the capital has experienced a boom in luxury tourism, driven by the opening of numerous ultra-luxury hotels and a clear focus on this niche market," the report explains. Barcelona sits at 14.9%, Palma at 8.4%.

 

This shift promises sustainable growth, fewer crowds and more quality stays. For us living here, it's welcome news boosting local spots without the crush.