- Spain tourism record 2024: 93.8M visitors and €126.28B in revenue
- Top source countries: UK, France, Germany, USA, and Asia
- Most visited destinations: Catalonia, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands
- Tourist spending: UK (€22.6B), Germany (€15.5B), France (€11B)
- Short-term rentals boom: 27% increase despite regulations
- Sustainability focus: New regulations for responsible tourism
- December 2024 growth: 5.26M visitors and €7.58B in spending
- 2025 forecast: Expected to surpass 100M visitors
Spain has achieved a record-breaking year in tourism, welcoming 93.8 million international visitors in 2024—a 10.2% increase compared to 2023. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), tourist spending also soared to an all-time high of €126.28 billion, a 16.1% rise from the previous year. Despite growing concerns about over-tourism, Spain continues to thrive as a top global destination, and expectations for 2025 remain high, with projections suggesting over 100 million international visitors.
Spain’s Tourism Boom: What’s Driving the Growth?
The surge in international visitors can be attributed to several factors, including Spain’s diverse cultural offerings, world-class hospitality, and a strong post-pandemic travel rebound. Improved flight connectivity, strategic marketing campaigns, and an increasing interest in experiential tourism have also played a crucial role in attracting visitors from across the globe.
Top Source Countries Driving Tourism Growth
The UK, France, and Germany remained the leading source markets for Spain in 2024:
- United Kingdom: 18.4 million visitors (+6.6%)
- France: 13 million visitors (+10.3%)
- Germany: 11.9 million visitors (+8.6%)
Notably, Asian tourism surged by 14.2%, while the United States strengthened its presence with 4.2 million visitors, marking an 11.2% increase.
Most Visited Destinations in Spain
Spain’s most sought-after destinations continued to draw millions of travelers:
- Catalonia: 19.9 million visitors (+9.7%)
- Balearic Islands: 15.3 million visitors (+6.1%)
- Canary Islands: 15.2 million visitors (+9.1%)
Additionally, Madrid and Andalusia recorded significant increases in visitor numbers, fueled by a rise in cultural and gastronomic tourism. Madrid saw a sharp increase in city-break travelers, while Andalusia benefited from renewed interest in its historical landmarks and coastal resorts.
Tourist Spending Reaches New Heights
The UK topped the list of biggest spenders, contributing €22.6 billion (+13.5%), followed by Germany with €15.5 billion (+17.6%) and France with €11 billion (+13.1%). The regions with the highest total tourist spending in 2024 were:
- Catalonia: €23.75 billion (+11.8%)
- Canary Islands: €22.89 billion (+12.6%)
- Balearic Islands: €20.05 billion (+13.3%)
Beyond traditional tourism spending, Spain saw a rise in luxury tourism, with high-end accommodations, exclusive tours, and gourmet dining experiences playing a bigger role in the overall economic impact.
Growth in Accommodation Preferences
International tourists increasingly turned to vacation rentals, despite government regulations aimed at controlling short-term stays.
- Hotels: 61.65 million visitors (+7.8%)
- Short-term rentals: 11.66 million visitors (+27%)
- Non-market accommodation (family-owned properties, etc.): 16.5 million visitors (+10.4%)
The surge in short-term rental bookings comes at a time when Spain is tightening regulations on the sector. In July 2024, a new registration system for vacation rentals will take effect, and the government plans to introduce VAT charges on tourist rentals, treating them as businesses rather than residential leases.
Sustainability and Tourism: Addressing Overcrowding
As Spain’s tourism industry flourishes, concerns over over-tourism and sustainability have become pressing issues. Cities like Barcelona and Seville have introduced new policies aimed at regulating tourism flows, limiting the number of short-term rentals, and encouraging responsible travel.
The Spanish government has also invested in sustainable tourism initiatives, including green-certified hotels, eco-friendly transport options, and policies to protect natural parks and historic sites. The goal is to balance tourism growth with environmental and cultural preservation, ensuring that Spain remains a welcoming and sustainable destination for future generations.
December 2024 Highlights
Spain ended the year strong, welcoming 5.26 million international tourists in December, a 1.1% increase year-over-year. The Canary Islands (27.5%), Catalonia (20.4%), and Andalusia (12.9%) were the top destinations for December travelers. Tourist spending for the month reached €7.58 billion, with a 7% annual increase.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Set to Break More Records
Spain’s tourism industry is expected to maintain its upward trajectory in 2025, with projections surpassing the 100 million visitor mark. The country continues to enhance its infrastructure, cultural experiences, and digital transformation efforts to accommodate the growing demand.
With strategic marketing campaigns targeting high-spending travelers and efforts to diversify tourism offerings, Spain is positioning itself for another record-breaking year in 2025.
