Record-High Occupancy Rates and Revenue Growth in 2024
This summer, Spanish hotels set a new milestone with 169.2 million overnight stays across June, July, August, and September 2024, marking the highest-ever figure for this period. This number exceeded the previous record of 164.9 million stays from the pre-pandemic summer of 2019, based on the latest data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE). From January to September, overnight stays reached a total of 291.6 million, representing a 5.2% increase from the same period in 2023.
In September alone, the total overnight stays climbed by 2.8% year-on-year, surpassing 39 million. Foreign tourists contributed to this growth with a 4.4% increase, while domestic tourist stays slightly decreased by 0.7%. Hotel prices in Spain rose 7% compared to the previous September, marking a continuous upward trend over the last 40 months. The average rate per room reached 125.2 euros, a 7.4% increase, while five-star hotels had an average revenue of 281.7 euros per room.
Popular Destinations
Andalucía, Catalonia, and Valencia were the top choices for Spanish travelers, making up 21.3%, 12.9%, and 12.7% of September’s total overnight stays, respectively. International visitors favored the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands, accounting for 32.1%, 18.9%, and 18.2% of foreign stays. Mallorca recorded the highest number of overnight stays among tourist areas, with over 7.1 million nights. Barcelona, Madrid, and Calvià were the most popular destinations overall.
The United Kingdom and Germany remained the top source markets for foreign tourists in September, comprising 26.7% and 18.6% of all foreign stays, followed by France (7.5%), the Netherlands (4.9%), and the United States (4.3%).
Occupancy and Revenue Growth
Occupancy rates in Spanish hotels rose to 66.9% in September, up by 1.3 percentage points year-on-year, with weekend occupancy reaching 71.4%. The Balearic Islands led with the highest occupancy rates, with Mallorca achieving an 82% bed occupancy, and Sóller topping weekend occupancy at 91.6%. The Hotel Price Index increased by 7% year-on-year, with the highest rise in Madrid (+15.2%) and the largest decrease in Melilla (-4.3%).
For room revenue, the average daily rate (ADR) in September was 125.20 euros, a 7.4% increase from the previous year. The revenue per available room (RevPAR), reflecting occupancy-adjusted income, reached 96.80 euros, up 9.3%. Luxury five-star hotels reported an ADR of 281.70 euros, with Estepona ranking as the top revenue-generating location, boasting an ADR of 246.30 euros and a RevPAR of 189.80 euros.
