Tourexpi
Spain’s tourism sector closed 2025 broadly in line
with expectations, posting new records in both arrivals and revenue.
International tourist spending reached €134.7 billion between January and
December, up 6.8% year on year, exceeding the total recorded in 2024. The
figures were released by Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) through its
Frontur and Egatur surveys.
Record arrivals, stronger growth in spending
The number of international tourists visiting Spain
also set a new historical high. A total of 96.8 million visitors arrived in
2025, representing an increase of 3.2% compared with the previous year. Once
again, spending growth outpaced the rise in arrivals, confirming a trend
towards higher in-destination expenditure per visitor, although the gap
narrowed slightly compared with 2024.
According to the data, this evolution is consistent
with the government’s long-term strategy to transform Spain’s tourism model
towards greater sustainability, with a stronger focus on quality over quantity,
spatial deconcentration, reduced seasonality and a more diversified product
offering, in line with the Spain Tourism Strategy 2030, approved in 2025.
Key source markets by expenditure
By country of origin, the United Kingdom remained
Spain’s largest source market in terms of spending in 2025, with €23.65 billion,
an increase of 4.9% year on year. Germany followed with €15.83 billion, up 2%,
while France ranked third with €11.61 billion, posting a 5.9% increase compared
with 2024.
In terms of visitor numbers, the UK also led with 19
million tourists, up 3.7%. France recorded more than 12.7 million arrivals,
down 1%, while Germany surpassed 12 million visitors, a modest increase of 0.6%.
Regional distribution of tourism spending
At regional level, Catalonia recorded the highest
total international tourism spending in 2025, with €24.81 billion, up 4.5% year
on year. The Canary Islands followed closely with €24.43 billion, representing
a 6.8% increase, while the Balearic Islands reached €21.06 billion, up 5.2%.
Catalonia also ranked as Spain’s most visited region
over the full year, welcoming 20 million tourists, a 0.6% increase. The
Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands each received 15.7 million visitors,
with growth rates of 2.6% and 3%, respectively.
December confirms spending-led growth
The trend towards higher spending per visitor was
particularly evident in December. Spain welcomed 5.3 million international
tourists during the month, a marginal year-on-year increase of 0.4%, while
total expenditure exceeded €8 billion, up 5.5%.
Average spending per tourist in December reached €1,514,
an increase of 5% compared with the same month in 2024. Average daily spending
also rose by 5%, to €167. The most common length of stay remained between four
and seven nights, accounting for more than 2.4 million visitors, although this
segment declined slightly by 1.4% year on year.
In December, the Canary Islands were the leading
destination with 1.45 million visitors, followed by Catalonia with 991,155 and Valencia
with 704,494, the latter posting growth of 5.6%.
Overall, the 2025 figures underline Spain’s continued
shift towards a higher-value tourism model, with international spending growth
consistently outpacing increases in visitor numbers.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

Hilton signs Hilton Garden Inn in Busan, South Korea
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with MS&C Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Garden Inn Busan Gijang in 2028. Located in Gijang, Busan, the hotel is planned to be part of a larger mixed-use development project.
Read the News

Etihad Airways makes Eid al-Adha and Summer Travel easier
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network.
Read the News

To Belize in the off-season with Alaska Airlines
Why this is the best choice explains Ali Wunderman
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc
Read the News

Nayarit's jungle coast redefines luxury travel
In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

Lufthansa Group expands climate protection portfolio
The Lufthansa Group has reshaped its portfolio of climate protection projects and is placing a stronger emphasis on technology-based solutions
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

The Czech capital has maintained its position among the ten most important meeting destinations in the world
Meetings Prague announces statistics for 2025 and unifies tourism branding
Read the News

Enhanced opportunities for British Airways American Express® cardmembers
British Airways American Express® Cardmembers who book with British Airways Holidays using Avios (as a full or part payment), can now redeem their Companion Voucher to receive 25% of these Avios back.
Read the News

In Spain, the year starts with more people employed in the tourism sector
In the first quarter of 2026, there were 146,631 more employees in tourism-related activities than in the same period of 2025.
