Tourexpi
International visitor spending in Spain reached €92.46
billion between January and August 2025, marking a 7.1% increase compared with
the same period last year, according to data released by the National
Statistics Institute (INE).
During the first eight months of the year, Spain
welcomed nearly 66.8 million international tourists, representing a 3.9% rise
year-on-year. This continued growth in spending outpacing arrivals reflects the
Ministry of Tourism’s strategic focus on sustainability, diversification, and
quality over quantity.
Key source markets and destinations
The United Kingdom remained the leading source market,
accounting for 17.9% of total spending, followed by Germany (11.6%) and France
(9.1%).
In terms of destination regions, Catalonia led with 18.3%
of total expenditure, followed closely by the Canary Islands (17.6%) and the Balearic
Islands (16.8%).
From January to August, the main countries of origin
by visitor numbers were the UK (almost 13.2 million, +4.3%), France (over 9.2
million, +0.1%), and Germany (over 8.2 million, +2%).
Top destinations included Catalonia (13.8 million
visitors, +0.2%), the Balearic Islands (11.5 million, +3.3%), and the Canary
Islands (10.3 million, +4.5%).
August: Spending outpaces arrivals
In August alone, Spain hosted 11.3 million
international visitors, up 2.9% year-on-year, who generated more than €16.39
billion in total expenditure — a 6.7% increase over August 2024. This means
spending rose 3.8 points faster than arrivals, reinforcing the trend toward
higher-value tourism.
On average, each tourist spent €1,457 during their
stay (+3.6%), while daily spending rose by 4.9% to €198. The most common stay
length was four to seven nights, chosen by nearly 5.3 million visitors (+3.9%).
Leading markets in August
The United Kingdom remained Spain’s top source of
international visitors, contributing over 2.2 million travellers who spent €3.14
billion.
France followed with around 2 million visitors and €2.20
billion in expenditure (–5.1% year-on-year), while Germany ranked third with 1.3
million tourists spending €1.83 billion.
Balearic Islands take the lead
The Balearic Islands were the most visited destination
in August, attracting 2.53 million tourists, a 3.5% increase over the previous
year. Catalonia received 2.19 million visitors (–4.3%), and Andalusia saw 1.72
million arrivals (+7.6%).
In spending terms, the Balearic Islands accounted for 23.9%
of total expenditure with €3.91 billion (+9.8%), followed by Catalonia with €3.11
billion (+1.8%) and Andalusia with €2.38 billion (+4.1%).
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News

GNTB strengthens dialogue to safeguard inbound tourism amid geopolitical uncertainty
New crisis task force and industry exchange launched to address potential impacts of Middle East conflict
Read the News

MSC introduces Sandy Cay, a new luxury private island in the Bahamas
Exclusive island retreat for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys is scheduled to open in 2028
Read the News

Cocktails with a view: Hilton highlights rooftop bars around the world
From New York to Venice and Bangkok, Hilton hotels showcase rooftop bars that combine signature cocktails with spectacular city and waterfront views
Read the News

Lufthansa marks 100 years and opens new conference and visitor center
Hundreds of guests from politics, business and media attended the ceremony at Lufthansa Group Hangar One in Frankfurt
Read the News

Lufthansa Group accelerates strategy with fleet cuts and capacity reductions
Rising kerosene prices and labour-related costs prompt early retirement of aircraft and programme adjustments
Read the News

Radisson Blu opens new flagship hotel at Almaty Airport
171-room property strengthens Radisson Hotel Group’s presence in Kazakhstan and Central Asia
Read the News

US remains world’s largest travel market but WTTC warns of growing competition
New research highlights declining international demand and calls for stronger promotion
Read the News

Spain unveils new SICTED programme focused on sustainable tourism
Updated system integrates sustainability, technology and quality standards across tourism destinations
Read the News

Agoda highlights top birdwatching destinations across Asia
Curated selection spans wetlands, rainforests and mountain habitats along major migratory routes
Read the News

Travel & Tourism becomes world’s fastest-growing sector in 2025
New research shows the industry outpaced global economic growth and generated a record US$11.6 trillion for the global economy
Read the News

Princess Cruises launches largest-ever Japan season and expanded Southeast Asia programme
New Asia sailings combine festival experiences, cultural highlights and longer itineraries across multiple countries
Read the News

Taiwan promotes role as Asia’s cruise gateway at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026
Tourism authority highlights strong air connectivity, port infrastructure and new incentives for cruise lines while presenting the “Taiwan 100 Ways” travel concept
Read the News

Delta introduces new airport services to speed up travel
Seamless baggage transfers, touchless identity checks and Uber drop-off aim to simplify the journey from curb to gate
Read the News

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expands pre- and post-cruise programmes for 2027/2028 season
New curated land experiences before and after selected voyages offer guests additional ways to explore destinations beyond the cruise itself
Read the News

Songkran 2026 expected to generate more than 30.35 billion Baht for Thailand
Nationwide celebrations between 11 and 15 April drive tourism growth, with strong domestic and international participation reinforcing Thailand’s global appeal as a cultural travel destination
Read the News

Executive Brief explores who will control travel in 2046
Artificial intelligence, trust and access could reshape the global travel industry over the next two decades, according to a new Executive Brief presented by Phocuswright and ITB Berlin
Read the News

RIU launches new mobile app for travel agents in the RIU Partner Club
The new tool offers real-time booking management and loyalty points tracking for more than 100,000 agents worldwide
Read the News

Chiang Mai named Asia’s leading culinary destination by Agoda
Cooking classes and food experiences are increasingly shaping travel decisions across the region
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group launches first Radisson RED hotel in Türkiye
Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova brings lifestyle-driven hospitality concept to İzmir
Read the News

Ireland seen as vulnerable to potential jet fuel shortages
Heavy reliance on air travel raises concerns for tourism and cargo as European fuel stocks tighten
Read the News

Norwegian Cruise Line returns to Philadelphia after 15 years
Norwegian Jewel launches new sailings to Bermuda and Canada & New England from the historic U.S. port