Spain enters global top 10 for outbound tourism spending

Spain has entered the top 10 global ranking of countries with the highest outbound tourism expenditure, according to 2025 data from UN Tourism. The country moved from 12th place before the pandemic to 9th, overtaking Italy and South Korea.

Spanish residents' spending on international travel reached $39.3 billion in 2025, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. This represents the fastest growth rate among European Union nations, surpassing the growth rates of the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and other major economies.

On a global scale, China continues to lead the outbound tourism market, with spending reaching $254 billion in 2025. China remains ahead of other major spending nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Russia.