GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Tourism In Spain Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Tourism In Spain Statistics

  • Tourism represents 11% of Spain's GDP.
  • In 2019, more than 83.7 million tourists visited Spain.
  • Spain is the 2nd most visited country in the world.
  • Catalonia is the most visited region in Spain with over 19 million tourists in 2019.
  • 89% of Spain's visitors come for leisure purposes.
  • Barcelona and Madrid are Spain's most popular city destinations.
  • British tourists make up 22% of the total visitors to Spain.
  • In 2019, tourists from the United States increased by 13.9% in Spain.
  • Seville experienced a 6% increase in overnight visitors in 2017.
  • More than 22% of Spain's total income from tourism comes in the month of August.
  • Over 1.32 million people are employed in Spain's tourism industry.
  • Around 16% of total hotel nights are spent by Germans in Spain.
  • Andalusia, Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands are the most visited regions in Spain by British tourists.
  • The contribution of travel and tourism to Spain's GDP is expected to grow to 178.2 billion euros by 2028.
  • 44.4% of all trips made by EU residents abroad were to Spain, France, and Italy.
  • Spain’s tourism sector lost more than 11 billion euros amid the coronavirus outbreak in March and April 2020.
  • The average stay of tourists in hotels in Spain is 3.7 days.
  • Over 19% of the total overnight stays in Spain's hotels in 2019 were by German residents.
  • Nearly 9.2 million tourists visited Spain in June 2021.

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Welcome to our latest exploration into the world of numbers and trends – today, we’ll be diving deeply into the vibrant realm of Spain’s tourism industry. Spain, with its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities, has long been a favourite destination among global travellers. But what do the actual figures say? Join us as we sift through the fascinating statistics of tourism in Spain to gain a fresh perspective on its popularity, economic value, tourist behaviour and shifting trends over time. Let the facts paint a vivid picture of the intricate relationship between Spain and its boundless influx of sightseers.

The Latest Tourism In Spain Statistics Unveiled

Tourism represents 11% of Spain’s GDP.

Anchoring the spotlight on the significance of ‘Tourism representing 11% of Spain’s GDP’ gives a robust perspective on the nation’s economic story. Displayed as a cornerstone in the Spanish economy, the impressive 11% illustrates tourism’s substantial contribution that fuels not only the country’s financial growth but also stimulates its job market, retail and services industries. This numerical testament, captured in a blog post about Tourism In Spain Statistics, encapsualtes the magnitude of tourism’s impact and Spain’s dependence on the sector, uncovering the intriguing dance between the allure of Spanish culture and global tourism economics.

In 2019, more than 83.7 million tourists visited Spain.

Painting a vivid image of the vibrant tourism landscape in Spain, the striking figure of 83.7 million tourists visiting the country in 2019 underscores the magnetic charm and appeal Spain holds in the global tourism sector. Its significance in a blog centered on Spanish tourism statistics serves to highlight Spain’s reputation as a top-tier destination, illustrating the country’s capacity to attract a vast influx of tourists, thus potentially influencing the economy, job market, and even the cultural exchange. This number not only stands as a testament to Spain’s tourism success in the past but also sets the tone for its anticipated future growth and tourism potential.

Spain is the 2nd most visited country in the world.

Illuminating the grandeur of Spain’s tourism allure, the fact that it nests on the 2nd pedestal of the world’s most visited countries lays the foundation for a rich exploration into Tourism in Spain Statistics. This intriguing yardstick not only tells a tale of Spain’s irresistible charm, from its sun-bathed beaches to its heritage-rich cities, but also underscores how pivotal Spain is to global tourism. Coupled with close examination of other pertinent indicators, such as tourist demographics, spending patterns or peak tourism periods, it offers deep insights into actually successful tourism strategies, potential areas of growth and, explorative vistas of future tourism trends in Spain.

Catalonia is the most visited region in Spain with over 19 million tourists in 2019.

Highlighting Catalonia as Spain’s most frequented region, with a remarkable footfall of over 19 million tourists in 2019, provides a vibrant illustration of the country’s tourism dynamics. It signifies Catalonia’s pivotal role in shaping Spain’s tourism industry, while also spotlighting the irresistible allure the region holds for global travelers. This data point can guide potential tourists in planning their visit and provide valuable insights to businesses linked to the tourism sector. Furthermore, it underscores the region’s contribution to Spain’s financial health, given the economic impact that these millions of visitors no doubt deliver.

89% of Spain’s visitors come for leisure purposes.

Illuminating the Spanish tourism landscape, a striking 89% of tourists flock to Spain purely for leisure, showcasing the enchanting allure and dynamic magnetism the country possesses. This dominant statistic vividly illustrates Spain’s pervasive charm, affording vacationers a compelling fusion of vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, stunning landscapes, and rich history. This figure unequivocally accentuates the potency of Spain’s leisure-oriented appeal, and is a cornerstone statistic in understanding the pulse of tourism in the nation, making it a vibrant thread in the tapestry of our discussion on Tourism in Spain Statistics.

Barcelona and Madrid are Spain’s most popular city destinations.

Weaving through the colorful narrative of Spain’s vibrant tourism sector, the statistic that Barcelona and Madrid emerge as the most favored city destinations lends a significant detail to the tapestry. As beacon cities, their popularity not only shapes the tourism dynamics of Spain but also reinforces the country’s global image as a top-notch travel hotspot. This data point, shining a spotlight on these urban tourism juggernauts, allows a nuanced understanding and a strategic planning tool for stakeholders, from tour operators to policy makers, to elevate the country’s tourism experience, diversify the tourism offering and ensure sustainable and balanced development of tourism across regions. Harnessing such statistical insights faithfully echoes the vibrancy and diversity of Spain’s rich cultural tapestry in the tourism industry.

British tourists make up 22% of the total visitors to Spain.

Peeking behind the curtain of Spain’s tourism landscape, it is evident that British holidaymakers hold significant prominence, accounting for 22% of her international guests. This striking figure exhibits the strong affinity that Brits have for sun-soaked Spanish coasts, cultural heritage and exquisite cuisine, underscoring Britain’s influence in maintaining Spain’s dynamic tourism industry. Consequently, for businesses related to tourism in Spain, comprehending British consumers behavior and preferences can offer a huge set of opportunities for delivering upgraded experiences and amplifying their market share, making this particular statistic a key aspect to consider in the Spain tourism analysis.

In 2019, tourists from the United States increased by 13.9% in Spain.

Highlighting the 13.9% increase in American tourists visiting Spain in 2019 underscores the growing interest among U.S. travelers in exploring Spanish culture, history, and destinations. This surge dynamically contributes to Spain’s economy, with implications for both local tourism industry growth and broader economic development. Recognizing this increment can assist businesses, tourism authorities, and policymakers to tailor strategies, services, and initiatives to cater to this significant and growing demographic, thereby, strengthening Spain’s position as a global tourism destination.

Seville experienced a 6% increase in overnight visitors in 2017.

Peeling back the curtain of the 2017 Tourism in Spain Statistics, one can spot a salient detail that adds a glossy sheen to Seville’s tourism scenario. A notable 6% surge in overnight visitors manifests several insights—fueling sustainable economic growth, magnifying exposure for local arts and culture, bolstering employment rates and business opportunities in the hospitality sector, and epitomizing Seville’s rising popularity as a must-visit destination in Spain. This upswing benchmarks a promising trend, positioning Seville, not merely as an underdog, but as a burgeoning star in Spain’s tourism constellation.

More than 22% of Spain’s total income from tourism comes in the month of August.

Highlighting the figure that over 22% of Spain’s total tourism income is received in August paints a vivid picture of the seasonality of the tourism industry here. This crucial information unveils the intense concentration of visitor spending during this peak summer month, hinting at substantial economic reliance on this period. Consequences may include heightened pressure on amenities and infrastructure in August, as well as potential vulnerability to changes in holiday patterns. Furthermore, businesses in Spain may ramp up their services and strategies during this period, as capturing a slice of the August “income pie” can significantly boost annual revenues. The statistic forms a vital cornerstone for understanding the cyclical dynamics of Spain’s tourism industry.

Over 1.32 million people are employed in Spain’s tourism industry.

Highlighting such a compelling figure of over 1.32 million individuals working in Spain’s tourism sector provides a persuasive demonstration of the tourism industry’s remarkable impact on the nation’s employment landscape. It underscores not only the significant number of jobs directly created by the sector, but also the immense web of indirect employment stimulated by the spending of tourists. This statistic gives readers an undeniable proof of tourism’s indispensable role in energifying the Spanish economy, asserting the sector’s relevance in the long-term stability and growth of the country.

Around 16% of total hotel nights are spent by Germans in Spain.

In the vibrant tapestry of Spain’s tourism statistics, the fact that approximately 16% of all hotel overnight stays are attributable to German tourists creates a fascinating color streak. This highlights not only the active interest and love of Germans for Spain’s rich heritage, sunny shores, and delectable cuisine, but it also underlines the crucial role they play in the vitality of Spain’s tourism industry. The German tourist footprint, thus, strongly resonates in Spain’s hospitality sector, shaping marketing strategies and setting in motion future growth and development initiatives.

Andalusia, Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands are the most visited regions in Spain by British tourists.

Shedding light on the magnetic allure of Andalusia, Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands for British globetrotters truly captures the allure of Spanish tourism. Indicative of these region’s popularity, this vivid statistic gives travel bloggers, planners, and tourism businesses invaluable insights into British tourist behavior. It potentially directs the attention of those involved in the Spanish tourism sector towards these hotspots, influencing marketing strategies, accommodation availability, and tourism amenities. Moreover, it underlines the cultural and scenic diversity of Spain that British travelers are drawn towards, further promoting Spain as an attractive tourist destination.

The contribution of travel and tourism to Spain’s GDP is expected to grow to 178.2 billion euros by 2028.

As we trace the economic vitality of Spain, it becomes increasingly visible that travel and tourism sit at the heart of its prosperity. Projected growth to 178.2 billion euros by 2028 indicates an expanding sector that fuels regional development and drives employment. When splashed across a blog post about Tourism in Spain Statistics, this noteworthy figure does more than turn heads; it imparts insight on the ever-increasing worth of tourism on a national scale, delivering a robust image of the industry’s economic potential and the leading role travel and tourism plays in sustaining Spain’s GDP.

44.4% of all trips made by EU residents abroad were to Spain, France, and Italy.

Drilling into the heart of European vacation habits reveals an intriguing tale of preference and pattern. Spain, with its flamenco fire and delicious paella, France, with its romantic allure and culinary prowess, and Italy, swaddled in history and blessed with incredible cuisine, hold sway with a stunning 44.4% of all trips made by EU residents abroad. For those invested in the narrative of Spain’s tourism, especially, this statistic provides an illumination of just how important these three powerhouses are in the tourism industry. It forms an essential puzzle piece to understand the magnitude of Spain’s draw as a travel destination amidst its European counterparts, shaping a complete picture of the tourism landscape woven into the fabric of Spain’s vital statistics.

Spain’s tourism sector lost more than 11 billion euros amid the coronavirus outbreak in March and April 2020.

In the realm of Spain’s thriving tourism industry, the startling figure of a loss exceeding 11 billion euros during just March and April 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic provides a stark indicator of the sector’s vulnerability as well as its overall economic significance. Positioned strategically at the intersection of global travel expectations and harsh reality, this number emphasizes the sudden and brutal halt in tourism activities that previously fueled Spain’s economy, reflecting not just interrupted travel plans for millions, but also the crippling impact on businesses, jobs, and livelihoods reliant on this sector. Thus, it serves as a quantifiable testament to the profound socioeconomic shockwaves COVID-19 sent throughout the intricate web of Spanish tourism.

The average stay of tourists in hotels in Spain is 3.7 days.

Illuminating the allure of Spain’s vibrant culture, the statistic that on average, tourists spend 3.7 days in local hotels, provides essential insights in a blog post about Spain’s tourism. It paints a vivid picture of Spain’s ability to captivate visitors, creating a demand for multi-day stays that boost its hotel industry. The figure also offers a hint to potential tourists on what kind of timeline they might expect to properly explore Spain’s attractions, while delivering critical data to other sectors, like restaurants or tour operators, which thrive on guests staying longer. It’s a single number speaking volumes about the overall health and strength of tourism in Spain.

Over 19% of the total overnight stays in Spain’s hotels in 2019 were by German residents.

The allure of Spain’s sunny beaches, flavorful cuisine, and rich history evidently captured the hearts of German tourists. With over 19% of the total overnight stays in Spain’s hotels in 2019 contributed by German residents, the presence of these wanderlust-filled Germans plays a fundamental role in Spain’s vibrant tourism sector. Their significant representation among hotel occupants is a testament to Spain’s charm, while also forming an invaluable part of the market share that underpins the economic health of the country’s hospitality industry. This figure points us towards the profound cultural linkage and the stimulating dynamics engraved in the tourism landscape of Spain.

Nearly 9.2 million tourists visited Spain in June 2021.

Reflecting upon the striking figure of 9.2 million visitors rushing to Spain’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities in June 2021, underscores the immense popularity Spain holds in the global tourism arena. This figure acts as a testament to Spain’s appeal, representing a recovery pulse post-pandemic restrictions, and propelling the nation as a strong contender in the global tourism industry. Within the labyrinth of tourism statistics, this data forms a golden thread weaving a story of Spain’s resilience and ongoing attractiveness, vital in contextualizing any discourse or analysis related to the Spanish tourism landscape.

Conclusion

Spain’s tourism industry has demonstrated robust growth, majorly contributing to the nation’s economy. The statistical data indicates not only an increase in visitor numbers but also an upward trend in tourism revenue. Significant influxes were particularly noticed from countries like the UK, Germany, and France. These figures underscore the appeal of Spain’s diverse tourist attractions, top-class amenities, and avant-garde tourism services. However, to ensure sustainable growth, it is vital for Spain to maintain and continually improve the quality of offerings and focus on promoting off-peak season tourism.

References

0. – https://www.www.wttc.org

1. – https://www.www.theguardian.com

2. – https://www.www.nyteknik.se

3. – https://www.www.statista.com

4. – https://www.www.tourism-review.com

5. – https://www.www.ine.es

6. – https://www.www.euromonitor.com

7. – https://www.www.touristsecrets.com

8. – https://www.ec.europa.eu

FAQs

What is the contribution of tourism to Spain's GDP?

Tourism contributes significantly to Spain's GDP, accounting for about 11-12% directly, but with indirect impacts, it could account for nearly 15% of the total GDP.

How many tourists visit Spain annually?

In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain received a record of 83.7 million visitors, making it one of the most visited countries in the world.

What are the most popular tourist destinations in Spain?

The most popular tourist destinations in Spain include Barcelona, Madrid, Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands (such as Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza), the Canary Islands, Valencia, Andalusia, among others.

How has COVID-19 affected tourism in Spain?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on tourism in Spain, with travel restrictions causing a sharp drop in tourist numbers. In 2020, tourist arrivals in Spain fell by 77% compared to 2019.

What is the average expenditure of a tourist in Spain?

As of 2019 statistics, the average expenditure per tourist was about 1,089 euros. However, these figures can vary greatly depending on the region, length and purpose of the visit.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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