Spain strengthens position as Europe’s leading high-value tourism market - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Global international visitor spending reached a record US$2.02 trillion in 2025, according to new research by the World Travel & Tourism Council. The figures mark a 3.2% increase year-on-year and represent the first time global tourism spending has moved clearly above pre-pandemic levels.

Within this global recovery, Spain has emerged as one of the strongest-performing high-value tourism destinations worldwide. WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research, conducted in partnership with Chase Travel, shows Spain generated €115.1 billion (US$130.1 billion) in international visitor spending in 2025, ranking third globally behind only the United States and China.

At the same time, Spain maintained its position as Europe’s leading destination for international visitor spending.

Higher spending per traveller than European average

The report forecasts 96.8 million international arrivals to Spain in 2025. On average, international visitors are expected to spend around US$1,344 per trip.

Across Europe, by comparison, international visitor spending totals approximately US$835 billion across 782 million arrivals, equating to an average spend of around US$1,068 per traveller.

According to WTTC, the figures underline Spain’s position as a destination combining high visitor volumes with comparatively strong tourism revenues per guest.

The research also highlights that inbound international spending in Spain significantly exceeds domestic tourism expenditure, reinforcing the country’s international competitiveness within the global tourism market.

Investment and connectivity driving growth

WTTC attributes Spain’s performance to long-term investment in transport infrastructure, international connectivity and visitor experience, combined with close cooperation between government institutions and the private sector.

The organisation also points to growing importance of seamless travel technologies, including biometric systems, digital identity solutions and smarter visa processes, as destinations compete for the next phase of international tourism growth.

According to the forecast, international visitor spending in Spain is expected to increase further to €121.1 billion (US$136.9 billion) in 2026, representing annual growth of 5.3%.

“International visitor spending has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels globally, reaching more than US$2TN in 2025 — a powerful signal of the sector’s resilience and continued growth,” said Gloria Guevara.

“But beyond overall growth, the real story is the rise of high-value travel. Spain is outperforming the European average for international visitor spend per traveller, demonstrating how investment in connectivity, seamless travel, and visitor experience can translate into stronger economic returns.”

Image Credit: © WTTC