Spain has once again raised the bar for global travel, welcoming a record 97 million international tourists in 2025, marking the second consecutive year the country has set a new benchmark for visitor numbers. The milestone underscores tourism’s role as one of Spain’s most economically vital sectors, according to Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu, who confirmed the figures on Thursday 15.
Speaking at a press conference in Madrid, Hereu said the initial estimates represent a 3.5% increase on 2024’s already record-breaking 94 million visitors. Even more significantly, international tourist spending surged by 6.8%, reaching €135 billion – a clear sign that visitors are not only arriving in greater numbers, but also spending more during their stays.
“This is a collective success by the whole country that perfectly demonstrates Spain’s enormous attractivity, because Spain is a country that seduces the world” the minister said, highlighting the country’s enduring global appeal. The figures reinforce Spain’s reputation as one of the world’s most appealing destinations, offering a blend of lifestyle, climate, culture and infrastructure that continues to resonate with international travellers – and increasingly, long-term residents.
Europe remains Spain’s strongest market
The majority of visitors continue to come from Europe, with travellers from the UK, Germany and France accounting for roughly half of all arrivals. This steady demand benefits expats directly, supporting frequent flight routes, strong transport links and year-round connectivity – particularly valuable for those balancing life between Spain and their home countries.
Tourism as a pillar of economic strength
Tourism now contributes around 13% of Spain’s total economy, helping drive growth that outpaces many European peers. After years of austerity in the early 2010s and the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, Spain’s rebound has been powered in large part by the revival of international travel.
The Bank of Spain forecasts economic growth of nearly 3% in 2025, more than double the eurozone average. On the ground, this growth is visible in expanding hospitality sectors, infrastructure investment, job creation and a thriving service economy – all areas where many expats work, invest or run businesses.
A balanced view on growing pains
While the outlook remains positive, Spain is also navigating the pressures that come with success. In high-demand areas such as Barcelona, parts of Andalusia, and the Balearic and Canary Islands, concerns have been raised about housing availability, environmental sustainability and overcrowding. Authorities have responded with tighter controls on short-term rentals and increased regulation of holiday accommodation platforms, aiming to protect residents while keeping tourism sustainable.
What this means for expats in Spain
For expats, Spain’s record tourism year brings far more opportunity than disruption. A strong tourism sector supports employment, international services, reliable infrastructure and vibrant local economies – all while reinforcing Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most desirable places to live.
The bottom line: Spain’s tourism success isn’t slowing down and the country is positioning itself for long-term, sustainable growth. For those already living here, that’s a promising sign that Spain’s global appeal – and economic resilience – is here to stay.