Spain tourism is on track to smash records after nearly 100 million foreign visitors travelled to the country in 2025, according to official figures released in early January.
Visitor numbers and spending both rose year on year, driven mainly by travellers from the UK and long-haul markets, despite a slowdown from France.
Another tourism record
Data from the National Institute of Statistics puts the number of international visitors at nearly 91.5 million between January and November, with December expected to push the total to about 97 million.
That would exceed the previous annual high of 94 million visitors. November alone brought in 5.78 million foreign tourists, a rise of 2.1% from the same month in 2024.
Growth remained positive compared with the same period in 2024.
The same data shows spending continued to rise faster than arrivals, following a pattern seen throughout the year rather than a single seasonal spike.
Spending reaches fresh records
Foreign visitors spent close to €8.1 billion in Spain during November, around 5% more than a year earlier. Between January and November, total spending reached more than €126 billion, according to official surveys.
Average spending per tourist rose to just under €1,400, while daily spending increased to €188. The data shows higher average spending per visitor and per day.
Spending growth was strongest among UK travellers, followed by visitors from the United States and Asia. In contrast, spending by French and German tourists dipped slightly in November, matching a fall in arrivals from those markets.
Officials said the data points to longer stays and higher spending per trip rather than a sharp rise in short visits.
UK keeping numbers afloat
The UK remained Spain’s largest source of foreign tourists in 2025. British travellers made up more than one million arrivals in November alone, an increase of 4.7% compared with the same month last year.
Germany recorded modest growth, while France saw a clearer decline. French arrivals fell by 7.4% in November, a drop that helped explain why earlier forecasts of 100 million visitors for the year are now unlikely to be reached.
Arrivals from the UK and long-haul markets continued to rise, while French arrivals fell. Data shows continued interest from travellers in the United States and Asia, particularly in large cities and island destinations.
Air connections from London and major long-haul hubs continued to support arrival numbers through the final months of the year.
Canary Islands, Andalucía pull ahead
Several regions posted strong gains over the year. Andalucía welcomed 13.77 million foreign visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, an increase of 6.9% compared with the same period last year.
The Canary Islands recorded 14.24 million arrivals, up 3.4%, keeping the region among Spain’s top destinations. The Valencian Community also saw growth, with arrivals rising by 4.2% to reach 11.71 million.
In November, the Canary Islands accounted for roughly a quarter of all international arrivals, followed by Catalonia and Andalucía.
Data shows higher arrivals outside the summer months compared with previous years.
Hotels win as travel habits shift
Accommodation data shows a change in where visitors are staying. Hotel bookings rose by more than 6% year on year, outpacing other types of accommodation.
Tourist flats and campsites also recorded growth, while rural accommodation and non-market stays declined. The figures suggest visitors are favouring hotels and serviced accommodation, especially for shorter or off-season trips.
The shift has also affected local rental markets, particularly in popular city centres.
ETIAS set to change how tourists enter Europe
Travellers planning future trips to Spain will soon need to account for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
Once introduced, visa-free visitors from countries including the UK, US and Australia will need to complete an online authorisation before travelling to the Schengen Area.
The system will cost €20 and allow multiple short stays over a three-year period. Authorities have said the process will be digital and linked to passport details.
Tourism businesses are watching the rollout closely, particularly how clearly the new system is explained to travellers. There is currently no sign that the upcoming change has affected bookings or travel plans for 2025.
Airlines and travel operators have begun updating guidance ahead of the launch.
Record year closes with open questions
December arrival figures have yet to be released, though the overall trend is unlikely to change. Spain has closed 2025 with record visitor numbers and the highest level of tourist spending recorded to date.
As travel patterns continue to shift, attention is turning to how demand is managed in 2026. For now, Spain tourism ends the year with busy airports, high hotel occupancy, and ongoing debate over how growth should be handled.