Spain hospitality sector sees stable summer with lower per-client spending

The Spanish hospitality sector concluded a stable summer season characterized by steady billing but a notable decrease in per-customer spending. According to an assessment by the employers' association Hostelería de España, the season was shaped by high temperatures, recruitment difficulties, and shifting consumer behavior.

While 55.2% of businesses reported that the campaign performed similarly to or better than the previous year, 44.8% viewed it as a decline. Although nominal billing saw a moderate increase in June, adjusting for inflation reveals a 4.1% drop in actual activity volume. During the peak summer months, 32.2% of establishments managed to increase revenues, but 47.8% experienced declines.

Profitability margins also faced pressure; while approximately 19.6% of businesses improved their margins, 46.2% reported a reduction compared to the previous summer. Despite these challenges, six out of ten establishments expressed confidence in maintaining or improving their activity heading into the final quarter of the year.