Spain’s tourism sector continues to set new records, with nearly 82.9 million international visitors in the first ten months of 2024, marking a 10.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. These tourists spent a total of €110.984 billion, reflecting a 16.8% rise, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).
This surge has already surpassed the total tourist expenditure for the entire previous year, which stood at €108.662 billion from 85.1 million visitors. In October alone, Spain welcomed 9 million international tourists a 9.5% year on year increase with total spending reaching €11.898 billion, up by 15.5%.
United Kingdom Leads as Top Source of Tourists
The United Kingdom remains the leading country of origin, contributing 16.5 million tourists from January to October, a 7.1% increase. France followed with nearly 11.5 million visitors (up 11.1%), and Germany with approximately 10.7 million (up 8.7%). In terms of spending, UK tourists accounted for 18.3% of the total, followed by Germany (12.3%) and France (8.9%).
In October specifically, 1.8 million British tourists visited Spain, a 4.8% increase from the same month in 2023, making the UK the top contributor for that month as well.
Increase in Average Tourist Spending
The average expenditure per tourist in October was €1,327, a 5.5% annual increase, while the average daily spending rose by 2.9% to €191. Most tourists stayed between four to seven nights. Spending on international transport (excluding package tours) was the largest expense category, constituting 20.8% of the total and increasing by 16.7% compared to October 2023. Expenditures on activities and package tours followed, each representing 19.4% and 18.3% of the total, with increases of 11.3% and 17.2%, respectively.
Catalonia Tops Tourist Destinations
From January to October, Catalonia was the most visited region, attracting 17.6 million tourists a 9.9% increase from the same period in 2023. The Balearic Islands received 14.9 million visitors (up 6.2%), and the Canary Islands welcomed 12.3 million (up 9.7%). These regions also recorded the highest cumulative spending: Catalonia (19% of the total), the Balearic Islands (17.6%), and the Canary Islands (16.6%).
In October alone, Catalonia was the primary destination, accounting for 20.4% of all tourist arrivals a 9.4% increase followed by the Balearic Islands (17.8%, up 8.3%) and Andalusia (15.3%, up 10.6%).
These statistics underscore Spain’s robust recovery and growth in the tourism sector, highlighting its appeal as a premier destination for international travelers.
