Spain has set a new milestone in international tourism, welcoming over 88.5 million visitors during the first eleven months of 2024. This achievement, revealed by the National Statistics Institute (INE), cements Spain’s status as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
As the numbers for December have to be added, Spain is on track to surpass 90 million visitors, setting a new annual record. The influx of tourists has translated into substantial economic gains. Visitors spent a staggering €118.7 billion between January and November, marking a 16.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This figure includes €7.7 billion generated in November alone, driven by a 10.3% rise in tourist numbers that month.
Average daily spending reached €178 per tourist, with an average stay of 7.6 days, slightly higher than last year’s 7.4 days.
Top regions for tourism
Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands remained the most popular destinations, accounting for the lion’s share of visitors. Catalonia welcomed 18.9 million tourists (a 9.9% increase), while the Balearic Islands attracted 15.1 million visitors (up 6.1%), and the Canary Islands hosted 13.8 million (a 9.6% rise).
In November, the Canary Islands emerged as the leading destination, attracting 25.6% of all international tourists. Catalonia followed with 22.2%, and Andalucia accounted for 13.7%. These regions also led in tourist spending, with the Canary Islands contributing 28.6% of total expenditure in November.
The Valencian Community, which was hit by the DANA in the last days of October, continues to be the autonomous region with the highest growth in the year-to-date compared to 2023. Specifically, 11.2 million tourists visited the region, 15.5% more. However, the DANA was noticeable in November, when compared to year-on-year increases in other regions of over 10%, the Valencian region recorded a 4.2% improvement.
Shifts in visitor demographics
The UK, France, and Germany remain Spain’s largest tourist markets. British visitors topped the list, with over 17.5 million arrivals, up 7.1% from the previous year. French and German tourists also showed significant increases, with arrivals growing by 11.5% and 8.5%, respectively. Notably, Italian tourism surged, with a 22% increase in November compared to the same month in 2023.
British tourists led the way in terms of spending, contributing 18.1% of total revenue, followed by Germany (12.3%) and France (8.8%). In November alone, British visitors spent €1.16 billion, an 8.7% increase, while German tourists spent €957 million, up by a remarkable 20.2%.
Expanding beyond traditional destinations
While Spain’s traditional hotspots continue to thrive, November saw a notable 40.9% rise in international visitors to less-established destinations. This trend reflects growing interest in Spain’s diverse cultural and geographical offerings, beyond the usual tourist hubs.
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