Spain welcomes more international tourists than ever in 2024, with spending hitting record highs
Foreign visitors shrugged off inflation, spending 7.6% more per trip, as Spain saw a surge in arrivals
Spain’s tourism industry had a record-breaking year in 2024, with foreign visitors spending more than ever before despite inflationary pressures. According to new data, Spain welcomed almost 94 million international tourists, a 10% increase compared to 2023. This also surpasses pre-pandemic figures from 2019, solidifying Spain’s position as a top global travel destination.Spending per visitor rose significantly, with tourists shelling out €1,346 per trip on average, a 16.1% increase from the previous year. Accommodation costs made up a significant portion of this, with visitors spending an average of almost €70 more per stay than in 2023. Total tourism expenditure reached €108.7 billion, an impressive 21.6% rise compared to the previous year.
The United Kingdom remained Spain’s largest source of visitors, with over 17.3 million British tourists in 2024, followed by France and Germany. The number of American tourists also surged, showing strong interest from long-haul markets.
Regional data highlighted the Costa Cálida’s remarkable growth, with Murcia’s tourism industry booming in 2024. The region recorded a 30% increase in international visitors, contributing to a potential record-breaking year ahead.
The overall impact of tourism on Spain’s economy was substantial, contributing to a 3.2% rise in GDP for 2024. The hospitality and service sectors benefited the most, with employment levels also seeing a boost.
With 2025 already off to a strong start, Spain’s tourism sector looks set to continue its upward trend, reinforcing the country’s reputation as one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations.
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