Spain's Tourist Arrivals Near 100 Million as Visitor Spending Shifts to Higher‑Value Markets

Spain is on track to receive close to 100 million international tourists by 2026, after counting about 97 million in 2025 – a record that makes it the world’s second‑most visited destination after France. The surge is partly driven by geopolitical instability that has redirected travelers from the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean, boosting arrivals by 5.2% in April 2025.

Tourism generated €200.7 billion in 2024, accounting for 12.6 % of Spain’s GDP and supporting more than 2.7 million jobs. However, while visitor volumes grow, European tourists – who still represent roughly half of arrivals – are traveling more cautiously, spending less per night and staying for shorter periods. The average summer hotel price rose 2.4 % to €207 per night and daily spend per tourist is now about €189.

Long‑haul markets such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan and Brazil are delivering higher per‑visitor spending, offsetting the reduced expenditure of European travelers. Domestically, the influx has heightened housing pressures and sparked protests in Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and other coastal areas. Authorities have responded with measures including a €65 million fine on Airbnb for unlicensed listings and plans to let thousands of short‑term rental licences lapse, aiming to relieve rent inflation and congestion.