Tourexpi
International visitor spending in Spain reached €92.46
billion between January and August 2025, marking a 7.1% increase compared with
the same period last year, according to data released by the National
Statistics Institute (INE).
During the first eight months of the year, Spain
welcomed nearly 66.8 million international tourists, representing a 3.9% rise
year-on-year. This continued growth in spending outpacing arrivals reflects the
Ministry of Tourism’s strategic focus on sustainability, diversification, and
quality over quantity.
Key source markets and destinations
The United Kingdom remained the leading source market,
accounting for 17.9% of total spending, followed by Germany (11.6%) and France
(9.1%).
In terms of destination regions, Catalonia led with 18.3%
of total expenditure, followed closely by the Canary Islands (17.6%) and the Balearic
Islands (16.8%).
From January to August, the main countries of origin
by visitor numbers were the UK (almost 13.2 million, +4.3%), France (over 9.2
million, +0.1%), and Germany (over 8.2 million, +2%).
Top destinations included Catalonia (13.8 million
visitors, +0.2%), the Balearic Islands (11.5 million, +3.3%), and the Canary
Islands (10.3 million, +4.5%).
August: Spending outpaces arrivals
In August alone, Spain hosted 11.3 million
international visitors, up 2.9% year-on-year, who generated more than €16.39
billion in total expenditure — a 6.7% increase over August 2024. This means
spending rose 3.8 points faster than arrivals, reinforcing the trend toward
higher-value tourism.
On average, each tourist spent €1,457 during their
stay (+3.6%), while daily spending rose by 4.9% to €198. The most common stay
length was four to seven nights, chosen by nearly 5.3 million visitors (+3.9%).
Leading markets in August
The United Kingdom remained Spain’s top source of
international visitors, contributing over 2.2 million travellers who spent €3.14
billion.
France followed with around 2 million visitors and €2.20
billion in expenditure (–5.1% year-on-year), while Germany ranked third with 1.3
million tourists spending €1.83 billion.
Balearic Islands take the lead
The Balearic Islands were the most visited destination
in August, attracting 2.53 million tourists, a 3.5% increase over the previous
year. Catalonia received 2.19 million visitors (–4.3%), and Andalusia saw 1.72
million arrivals (+7.6%).
In spending terms, the Balearic Islands accounted for 23.9%
of total expenditure with €3.91 billion (+9.8%), followed by Catalonia with €3.11
billion (+1.8%) and Andalusia with €2.38 billion (+4.1%).
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News

Saudi Arabia and World Economic Forum launch ‘Beyond Tourism’ to drive global transformation
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and the World Economic Forum have jointly launched Beyond Tourism, a multi-sector initiative designed to accelerate a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for global travel
Read the News

Lufthansa Group launches Accessibility Customer Advisory Committee
The Lufthansa Group has convened the first meeting of its new Accessibility Customer Advisory Committee in Frankfurt
Read the News

UN Tourism and UMusic Hospitality expand global campaign to include music tourism Partnership with d
Partnership with digital creator Khabane Lame aims to boost innovation, investment and job creation through culture and entertainment
Read the News

‘Trusted Thailand’ initiative boosts confidence as visitor numbers rise
Nationwide certification programme reinforces Thailand’s safety standards and readiness to welcome global travellers
Read the News

IHG adds Crowne Plaza Budva to its Adriatic portfolio
New signing strengthens Montenegro presence – opening planned for Q1 2026
Read the News

Princess Cruises expands Caribbean & Panama Canal programme for 2027–28
New voyages include calls to Celebration Key™ and the debut of two Sphere-class ships in the region
Read the News

Hilton again named No. 1 World’s Best Workplace
New study shows strong link between employee wellbeing and guest satisfaction
Read the News

Agoda unveils Asia’s top destinations for digital nomads
Six inspiring locations where remote work meets culture, creativity, and adventure
Read the News

Toledo to Host UN Tourism’s 126th Executive Council Meeting
Historic Castilian city selected for the June 2026 session – Spain strengthens its global leadership in tourism policy
Read the News

Istanbul to host 11th World Halal Summit and Halal Expo under theme of innovation and excellence
Event to highlight innovation, trade opportunities, and sectoral collaboration in the $7 trillion halal economy
Read the News

WTTC congratulates Shaikha Al Nowais on her appointment as UN Tourism Secretary-General
Council highlights commitment to collaboration under new global leadership
Read the News

TUI adds new direct flights to Kos from Bournemouth, Exeter, and London Stansted
New routes make the Greek island more accessible for travellers across southern England
Read the News

TUI and Mindtrip bring AI travel inspiration to life
Strategic partnership turns AI-generated itineraries into instantly bookable trips with all the benefits of the EU Package Travel Directive / AI meets package travel
Read the News

UN Tourism Sets Artificial Intelligence Agenda for the Future of Global Tourism
26th General Assembly in Riyadh concludes with landmark commitments on innovation, AI, and inclusive growth
Read the News

Celebrity Cruises unveils new 2027–2028 voyages across the Caribbean, Asia, and South America
New itineraries feature first-ever dedicated Grand Turk sailings, 52 overnight stays in Asia, and breathtaking journeys through South America and Antarctica
Read the News

DTV Calls for Federal Support to Ensure Safe Christmas Markets and Public Festivals
Following the cancellation of the Magdeburg Christmas Market, the German Tourism Association urges swift solutions and financial assistance
Read the News

Istanbul crowned Europe’s ‘Most Desirable City’ at 2025 Wanderlust Travel Awards
Turkish metropolis takes Gold after last year’s Silver, praised for its fusion of history, modernity, and creative vitality / A city where continents — and ideas — meet
Read the News

VIVA Cruises joins the German National Tourist Board
Partnership strengthens Germany’s river cruise segment and international tourism appeal / Membership begins January 2026
Read the News

Ryanair reminds passengers of switch to fully digital boarding passes starting Wednesday, 12 Novembe
Airline moves to a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience through app-based check-in
Read the News

Labour Force Survey: Tourism Employment Continues to Rise in Spain
3.08 million people employed in tourism between July and September – Permanent contracts up 3.6%, unemployment rate down to 7.5%
Read the News

Solo Travel Soars Across Asia in 2025, Agoda Reports
Searches for single-person stays up 16% as travelers embrace independence and adventure
