Tourexpi
Spain: Spending by international tourists exceeded €46.5 billion up to May
In
May, 9.3 million international tourists came to Spain, an increase of 1.5%
year-on-year, who spent a total of €12.2 billion, up 4.8%.
Spending
at destination in the “Rest of Communities” (which excludes the six most
visited ones) was up 16.4% in May.
According
to the data published today by the National Statistics Institute (INE), total
spending by international tourists exceeded €46.5 billion up to May,
representing an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Likewise, the
number of international tourists who arrived in Spain in the first five months
of the year reached 35 million, marking a 5.5% increase compared to the same
period the previous year.
In
May, 9.4 million tourists visited Spain, 1.5% more than in the same month of
the previous year, spending more than €12.2 billion, an increase of 4.9%
compared to May 2024.
In
the fifth month of the year, each visitor spent an average of €1,304,
reflecting an annual increase of 3.2%, while average daily spending rose by
1.9% to €209. The most common length of stay among tourists was between four
and seven nights, with more than 4.7 million visitors, although this figure
showed a year-on-year decrease of 0.4%.
Portugal
again the fastest-growing market
In
May, the United Kingdom was the top country of origin for visitors, with 2.1
million arrivals, a 7.3% increase compared to the same month the previous year.
In terms of destination spending, UK visitors spent €2.351 billion in Spain in
May, also a 7.3% increase over the same month in 2024.
France
came in second, with 1.2 million visitors in May (a 6.7% decrease). French
tourist spending reached €990 million, which was 0.2% higher than in May the
previous year.
Meanwhile,
visitors from Germany decreased by 6.1% compared to May 2024, with 1,157,574
international tourists spending €1.333 billion, 5.7% less than in the same
period last year.
Notably,
as in April, Portugal showed strong growth in May, with a 16.9% year-on-year
increase (225,726 international tourists). Additionally, in terms of spending,
the segment labelled "rest of the world" showed the highest
year-on-year growth among all major markets, increasing by 7.8%.
Notable
growth in spending in ‘Rest of Communities’
In
May, the Balearic Islands were the top destination for tourists, accounting for
21.2% of the total. They were followed by Catalonia (20.5%) and Andalusia
(15.5%). The Balearic Islands saw 0.2% fewer tourists than in May 2024, while
Catalonia saw a 5.6% decline. In contrast, Andalusia welcomed 8.1% more
tourists.
In
terms of the regions with the largest share of total tourist spending in May,
the Balearic Islands ranked first (19.1% of the total), followed by Catalonia
(18.7%) and Andalusia (15.5%). Tourist spending increased by 5.3% year-on-year
in the Balearic Islands (reaching €2.335 billion), decreased by 1.3% in
Catalonia (down to €2.297 billion), and rose by 11.1% in Andalusia (totalling
€1.902 billion). It is worth highlighting that cumulative spending in May for
the "rest of the autonomous communities" (excluding the main tourist
regions) was notable, with a 16.4% increase.
In
the first five months of 2025, the regions with the highest cumulative spending
were the Canary Islands (22.1% of the total), Catalonia (17.1%), and Andalusia
(15.5%).
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News
Dominican Republic’s Tourism Sector Projected to Generate Over US$21 Billion
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the travel and tourism sector in the Dominican Republic will reach a historic milestone in 2025, contributing over US$21 billion to the national GDP.
Read the News
Ryanair calls on Ursula von der Leyen to resign if she fails to reform Europe’s air traffic control
Two-day French air traffic control strike (3–4 July) forces Ryanair to cancel 400 flights, disrupting over 70,000 passengers.
Read the News
Tourism and culture take center stage at executive training programme in Mongolia
UN Tourism recently welcomed senior tourism officials from across the Asia-Pacific region to highlight the essential connection between tourism and culture in shaping resilient, inclusive destinations.
Read the News
Fitur 2026 expands its technological dimension with the introduction of the Knowledge Hub
The International Tourism Trade Fair, taking place from 21 to 25 January at IFEMA MADRID, reinforces its leadership with Hall 12 as the epicentre of tourism innovation.
Read the News
Relax and Start the Summer Holidays with Lufthansa
As the summer school holidays begin in Hesse, Lufthansa is preparing for one of its busiest travel periods of the year.
Read the News
IHG Hotels & Resorts expands in Türkiye with new Holiday Inn Resort signing in Bodrum
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed an agreement for the development of Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum West Beach, in collaboration with Uslu Turizm Insaat Tasimacilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.
Read the News
Göbeklitepe draws millions as Türkiye’s ancient sanctuary gains global heritage acclaim
Göbeklitepe, the ancient sanctuary in southeastern Türkiye and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has emerged as a key pillar of regional tourism, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
Read the News
From Lagos to the world: Delta elevates travel with new lounge and next-gen aircraft
Delta has unveiled a new premium lounge at Lagos Airport on July 1, ahead of deploying its newest aircraft, the A350-900 and A330-900neo, on U.S. routes this October, boosting capacity and comfort for Nigerian travelers.
Read the News
Türkiye has emerged as one of the most profitable destinations for global hotel investors, says firm
Türkiye has become one of the most accessible and profitable destinations for global hotel investors as the country’s tourism sector shifts toward a high-efficiency model focused on renovation, branding, and resale, a leading investment firm said
Read the News
Dusit brings vibrant energy to the Maldives with a new all-inclusive resort near Malé
Soft opening this July, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives promises ‘effortless stays’ just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.
Read the News
Thailand and Bhutan Strengthen Sustainable Tourism Cooperation Through Field Visits
Under the shared “Two Countries, One Destination” vision, the Bhutanese delegation deepens collaboration through knowledge exchange, strategic meetings, and site visits from 20–23 June.
Read the News
Condor Expands City Route Network for Summer 2026
Condor is continuing its successful expansion into European city destinations with the announcement of three new routes for summer 2026.
Read the News
Ryanair urges EU governments to reform air traffic control services
"League of delays" for June highlights Europe's best and worst ATC systems / ATC-related delays could be avoided through better staffing and organisation.
Read the News
Coolcation Instead of a Heatwave: Refreshing Summer Destinations in the Eurowings 2025 Schedule
With around 150 destinations on offer, Eurowings is highlighting travel options that are perfect for those seeking cooler summer experiences.
Read the News
Six Senses to Open Landmark Hotel in Bangkok’s Historic Silom District
Six Senses has signed a hotel management agreement with Narai Hospitality Group to introduce Six Senses Bangkok—a flagship urban sanctuary set within Hatai, a new mixed-use development located on the site of the legendary Narai Hotel in Silom.
Read the News
‘Amazing Thailand Saneh Thai Gala Night’ Showcases Thailand’s Soft Power in Global Tourism
Under the theme “Myth of Siam – A Gala of Timeless Wonder,” the recent “Amazing Thailand Saneh Thai Gala Night” brought together international influencers, celebrated Thai heritage, and strengthened Thailand’s image as a leading global to
Read the News
RIU Signs Landmark Agreement with TIRME to Use 100% Locally Sourced Renewable Electricity
RIU Hotels & Resorts has become the first hotel chain to sign an agreement with TIRME, the Environmental Technology Park of Mallorca, ensuring that all electricity used in its Balearic Islands hotels will be 100% renewable and locally produced.
Read the News
Club Med Celebrates 75 Years of ‘L'Esprit Libre’ with a Global Vision
Club Med, part of Fosun Tourism Group, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with global events that honour its French roots and the spirit of "L'Esprit Libre"—a carefree vacation lifestyle.
Read the News
Rome to welcome the world for WTTC’s 25th Global Summit
Global tourism leaders, government ministers, and Italian icons to unite in the Eternal City this September.
Read the News
Condor becomes strategic partner of Eintracht Frankfurt
The adventure begins: Condor is now the new strategic partner of Eintracht Frankfurt with immediate effect.
Read the News
Village to the World: Thai Communities Step onto the Global ESG Stage
The “Village to the World” initiative is redefining sustainable development in Thailand by placing local communities at the forefront of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) transformation.
