Published on
June 19, 2025
Spain is set to make history in 2025 with record-breaking tourist arrivals, soaring visitor spending, and a powerful boost to both domestic and international travel.
Spain’s economic landscape is deeply anchored in its robust services sector, which contributes nearly 70 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). At the heart of this sector lies tourism—an industry that has long propelled Spain to global prominence as one of the most visited destinations worldwide.
Looking ahead to 2025, Spain is poised to reach unprecedented tourism milestones. Forecasts suggest the country could welcome over 98 million international travelers this year. These visitors are expected to generate at least 135 billion euros in tourism-related revenue, marking a new high in Spain’s post-pandemic recovery and international appeal.
Both domestic and international tourism activity in Spain continues to trend upward. Projections indicate that internal tourism will see a modest growth of 1.2 percent, while foreign arrivals are anticipated to rise by 4.5 percent. Recent figures from national authorities confirm that the first four months of 2025 brought in 25.6 million international tourists, a 7.1 percent increase over the same period in 2024.
Spending by foreign visitors has also surged. According to the latest economic data, international tourists spent over 34 billion euros in Spain during the first months of 2025—an increase of 9.3 percent compared to the same timeframe last year. This upward trend underscores the resilience and global magnetism of Spain’s travel sector.
Travelers from the United Kingdom continue to lead the pack in both arrivals and spending. In one recent month alone, 1.6 million British visitors entered Spain, reflecting an 11.1 percent year-on-year rise. They also topped the list in terms of expenditure, contributing roughly 1.768 billion euros across various destinations in the country.
Germany ranked second in terms of visitor volume, sending 1.3 million travelers to Spain—a 13.7 percent annual increase. German tourists collectively spent around 1.602 billion euros during that month, marking a 14.4 percent rise from the previous year. French travelers, in third place, totaled 1.2 million visitors—up 10.5 percent from the prior year—and spent about 978 million euros, showing a 14.7 percent jump in year-over-year expenditure.
Regionally, several areas emerged as tourism powerhouses in the first quarter of 2025. The Canary Islands captured the largest share of foreign tourist arrivals, accounting for 25.6 percent of total international visits. Catalonia followed with 16.6 percent, while the Community of Madrid attracted 15.8 percent of all inbound travelers. These destinations continue to play a central role in supporting Spain’s status as a leading hub for global tourism.
Tourism’s impact stretches far beyond visitor numbers. In 2024, Spain achieved record-breaking tourism figures with 93.8 million international visitors—up 10.1 percent from the year prior. This surge translated into 126.2 billion euros in total tourist expenditure, representing a 16.1 percent increase over 2023. Tourism alone contributed 15.2 percent to the national GDP, making it one of the most vital components of the Spanish economy.
Moreover, the industry’s role in job creation has proven indispensable. As of 2024, the tourism sector supported approximately 2.99 million jobs across the country, reinforcing its position as a key employer in both urban and rural regions. This employment boom spans various segments, including hospitality, transport, entertainment, retail, and cultural services.
Spain’s continued success in attracting tourists and increasing travel-related revenues reflects a combination of strategic infrastructure investments, international marketing efforts, and favorable travel policies. As the country prepares for another record-breaking year, its tourism sector remains a cornerstone of national prosperity, offering both economic resilience and cultural enrichment on a global scale.
