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

Gobeklitepe Welcomes More Than 4.4 Million Visitors Since UNESCO Recognition
World's oldest known temple continues to strengthen southeastern Türkiye's appeal as a cultural tourism destination
Read the News

WTTC and UNEP Launch Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Sustainable Tourism
New alliance will promote circular economy, biodiversity protection and measurable environmental action across the global Travel & Tourism sector
Read the News

British Airways Celebrates 80 Years of US Service with Major Lounge Investment
Airline marks transatlantic milestone while unveiling plans to enhance premium customer experience across the United States
Read the News

Deutsche Bank Expands SAF Partnership with Lufthansa Group
Investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by around 5,500 tonnes
Read the News

Ryanair Urges Delay of EU Entry-Exit System Until September
Airline warns of longer border control queues during the summer holiday peak and calls for governments to postpone the EES rollout
Read the News

Marriott International Selects The Coca-Cola Company as Global Beverage Partner
Strategic agreement expands beverage choices across Marriott's worldwide hotel portfolio
Read the News

Vietnam Airlines Launches Direct Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket Service
New route marks the first milestone of TAT's partnership with Vietnam Airlines and strengthens regional tourism links
Read the News

Traveloka and Marriott International Expand Partnership Across Southeast Asia
Multi-year agreement gives Traveloka users direct access to Marriott's global hotel portfolio
Read the News

Taiwan Tourism Showcases Year-Round Experiences in Australia and New Zealand
Three-city roadshow strengthens trade partnerships and highlights Taiwan's growing appeal to regional travellers
Read the News

IHG Expands Greater China Portfolio with New Hotel Openings in Second Half of 2026
New properties across major cities, transport hubs and leisure destinations strengthen the group's multi-brand presence
Read the News

Marella Cruises launches new brand campaign celebrating authentic travel memories
Integrated campaign targets travellers over 40 with a fresh perspective on cruising
Read the News

Ko Samui Named Asia Pacific's Best Island at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
Thailand secures five top destination rankings, with Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Chang and Chiang Mai also recognised
Read the News

Temple of Apollo Opens for Evening Visits Under Türkiye's Night Museum Programme
Ancient sanctuary in Didim offers visitors a new way to experience one of the world's most important oracle sites during the summer season
Read the News

Wego and Tourism Malaysia launch partnership to boost travel from the Middle East
Joint campaign will promote Malaysia's diverse experiences ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026
Read the News

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Unveils Extraordinary Christmas and New Year Voyages for 2026/2027
Luxury and expedition ships will celebrate the festive season from the Caribbean to Antarctica
Read the News

TAT’s CF-Hotels Platform Wins Green Leadership Award at AREA 2026
Recognition highlights Thailand’s efforts to transform low-carbon tourism policy into measurable action across the hotel sector
Read the News

Agoda Highlights Cool-Climate Destinations Across Asia Pacific for Summer Travelers
From New Zealand's winter landscapes to Malaysia's highlands, the travel platform recommends refreshing escapes from the summer heat
Read the News

Eurowings Celebrates GNTM Winner Aurélie with WINGS Magazine Cover
Flight attendant and Germany's Next Top Model winner becomes the face of the airline's summer in-flight magazine
Read the News

International Visitors Expected to Spend Nearly €64 Billion in Spain This Summer
Tourism spending is forecast to outpace visitor growth again as Spain prepares for another record summer season
Read the News

IHG Surpasses 200 Hotels in Canada as Expansion Continues
New openings and upcoming brand launches strengthen the company's long-term growth strategy
Read the News

Harbour City Celebrates Toy Story 5 with Large-Scale Hong Kong Carnival
Immersive attractions, interactive experiences and exclusive exhibitions transform the waterfront destination into a Toy Story universe