Spain records tourism surge and growing housing pressure

Spain welcomed 36.8 million international tourists in the first five months of 2025, a 5 % rise from the same period a year earlier, generating €50.257 billion in spending – up 7.8 % year‑on‑year. The United Kingdom, France and Germany were the top source markets, while Catalonia, the Canary Islands and Andalusia received the largest visitor numbers and spending shares.

At the same time, the tourism boom is intensifying a housing crisis. A recent analysis identified fifteen Spanish destinations where residential communities are being displaced by short‑term rentals. In Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and El Raval, the resident population fell by more than 20 % since 2010 and tourist‑housing ratios exceeded 40 %. Palma de Mallorca’s historic centre has the highest tourist‑housing density in the country, and San Sebastián records the highest rental prices per square metre nationwide. These trends highlight the dual impact of tourism growth on Spain’s economy and its housing market.