Spain Sets Record for Tourist Arrivals by September, with Spending Reaching €99 Billion
By the first nine months of 2024, Spain welcomed an unprecedented number of international tourists, reaching 73.9 million—a 10.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023. According to data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), the expenditure from these visitors surged by 16.9%, totaling €99.1 billion.
The summer season brought record-breaking figures, as 9.6 million international tourists visited Spain in September alone, marking a 9.1% rise compared to September 2023. Total spending for this month amounted to €12.6 billion, an increase of 12.7%. On average, each visitor spent €1,315, up 3.3% from the previous year, while daily spending climbed 3.8% to €195.
The top tourist-sending countries were the United Kingdom (14.7 million visitors, up 7.4%), France (10.3 million, up 10.5%), and Germany (9.4 million, up 8%).
The number of foreign visitors opting for market accommodation rose by 7.1%, with hotel stays increasing by 4.6% and rental accommodations soaring by 32.8%. Non-market accommodations saw a 23% increase. Stays lasting four to seven nights were most popular, with nearly 4.7 million tourists, reflecting an 8.7% annual growth. Day-trippers rose by 0.6%, while longer stays (over 15 nights) fell by 0.8%.
Nearly 6.9 million tourists traveled independently in September, a 10.9% increase, while those who used package tours reached 2.7 million, a rise of 4.8%.
UK, France, and Germany Account for Nearly Half of Total Spending
In terms of spending, the top countries contributing in September were the United Kingdom (19.5% of total), Germany (13%), and France (8.1%). Spending by UK residents rose by 9.3%, German tourists by 8.6%, and French visitors by 26.1%. Over the first nine months of 2024, the UK led with the highest cumulative spending (18.4%), followed by Germany (12.1%) and France (9%).
The primary spending category was activities, accounting for 19.8% of total spending in September, a 9.7% increase compared to 2023. International transport (not part of a package tour) and package tours followed, representing 19.6% and 19.1% of total spending, with respective increases of 16.2% and 8.2%.
Additionally, 68.9% of total spending came from tourists staying in hotels, marking a 10.1% increase, while spending on non-market accommodations grew by 27.2%. Expenditure by independent travelers rose by 14%, while spending by package tourists increased by 9.6%.
Leisure remained the primary reason for visiting Spain, generating 88.2% of total spending, a 12.5% rise over September 2023.
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