MADRID – Spain has seen a remarkable increase in the number of tourists from China in the first six months of the year. This is an increase of 420%. However, the expenditure of these Chinese compared to 2020 increased even more, by 592%.
This is shown by an estimate based on data from Turespaña. While the Asian market segment is showing triple-digit growth, the UK, Germany and France remain the main markets sending travellers to Spain. In addition to China, South Korea and Japan also experienced significant growth, with a 258.4% and 200% increase in arrivals to Spain respectively.
“Excellent news for the tourism sector”
The Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Héctor Gómez, considers the revival of the Asian market, mainly from China, as excellent news for the Spanish tourism sector. “In 2023, we will restore 80% of pre-pandemic connections, and 2024 will certainly be the year of the complete consolidation of this very important market for our country,” explained the minister.
In addition, restrictions on the arrival of Chinese tourists have now been lifted, and Spain has been reclassified as ‘Approved Destination Status’, allowing group travel from China.
Also notable increase from the US
The United States is also seeing a notable increase, with a 54.7% increase in visitors and 61% in spending compared to the first half of 2022. The country now has 23 direct routes between US and Spanish destinations.
Related: Growing number of Americans in Spain positive for the housing market
In the first six months of this year, British visitors accounted for 18% of total tourism expenditure and 20.7% of total tourist flows.
As for other European markets, Portugal has shown remarkable growth, both in terms of tourist flows (+27.1%) and expenditures (+47.4%). According to Turespaña, the Netherlands will also be an interesting market, with figures continuing to grow compared to the same period in 2022.
Related: International air traffic Spain almost recovered after the pandemic
