
Spain broke its record for international tourism in 2024, with visitors spending over 118 billion euros by November.
This is a 16.7% rise from the same period in 2023, showing the country’s strong ability to attract tourists from around the world.
Tourist arrivals climb to historic highs
From January to November 2024, over 88.5 million international tourists visited Spain, a 10.7% increase from 2023. This number already surpasses the 85 million visitors recorded for all of 2023.
Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) reported 5.6 million international tourists in November alone, up 10.3% from the previous year.
Tourists in November spent more than 7.7 billion euros, a 16% rise from November 2023. The data highlights Spain’s successful tourism strategies, with increases in spending per traveler, daily spending, and trip duration.
In November, visitors spent an average of 1,361 euros per trip (a 5.2% increase) and 178 euros per day (a 2.4% rise).
Who’s spending and where?
The United Kingdom remained Spain’s top source of international tourists, with over one million Britons visiting in November, a 5.5% rise from 2023.
French and Italian visitors showed the highest growth. French arrivals increased by 17.4% to 751,182, while Italian visitors grew by 22%, reaching 369,097.
British tourists spent the most, totaling 1.161 billion euros in November, an 8.7% rise. German visitors followed with 957 million euros, a 20.2% increase.
French tourists spent 582 million euros, a 22% jump, the largest percentage increase among Spain’s major markets.
Tourism spreads beyond traditional hotspots in Spain
The Canary Islands, Catalonia, and Andalusia continue to draw the most tourists, but a growing shift toward less-visited areas is emerging.
In November, the Canary Islands hosted 25.6% of all tourists, followed by Catalonia at 22.2% and Andalusia at 13.7%.
Tourist numbers rose by 8.6% in the Canary Islands, 9.7% in Catalonia, and 8.7% in Andalusia compared to November 2023.
Meanwhile, less-visited regions saw a 40.9% increase in international tourists. This growth reflects Spain’s efforts to promote lesser-known destinations and reduce overcrowding in popular areas. Spending in these regions also grew by 35.5%.
Travelers face changes as Spain diversifies tourist options
Spain’s growing popularity may lead to more competition for accommodations and services in popular regions. However, efforts to spread tourism to less-visited areas could give travelers more options and a quieter, more varied experience.
This shift comes as Europe prepares to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
The ETIAS will soon require non-EU visitors to get pre-travel authorization, simplifying security checks but adding some administrative steps.
Spain’s push to promote a wider range of destinations supports EU goals to better manage travel.
Tourism boom could reshape Spain’s immigration policies
The rise in tourist numbers and spending could affect Spain’s immigration policies. Higher tourism revenue supports the case for attracting international workers and long-term residents to strengthen sectors like hospitality and infrastructure.
Spain’s focus on spreading tourism across regions may also influence local policies, encouraging immigration to less-populated areas to boost their economies.
This approach aligns with the EU’s goal of promoting sustainable and balanced development across member states.
Looking ahead
Spain’s record-breaking tourism numbers show its strength in adapting and innovating in a competitive market.
By continuing to promote a wider range of destinations and improving visitor experiences, Spain is well-positioned to stay a top global destination. These changes will affect travelers, residents, and policymakers, helping Spain lead in global tourism.