Spain Achieves New Record in International Tourism

Spain achieved a historic record in international tourism during the first 11 months of 2024, with over 88.5 million visitors, the highest figure ever recorded in this period, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) published this Friday. These tourists generated a total expenditure close to 120 billion euros, representing an increase of nearly 17% compared to the previous year.

This milestone was supported by the excellent performance of the sector in November, when the country received 5.7 million international tourists, 10.3% more than in 2023, and generated a total expenditure of 7.709 billion euros, 16% more, with an average daily spend of 178 euros.

The main source countries in the first eleven months were the United Kingdom (with over 17.5 million and an increase of 7.1%), France (with over 12.2 million and an increase of 11.5%), and Germany (with over 11.3 million, 8.5% more).

Until November, the regions that received the most tourists were Catalonia (18.9 million and an increase of 9.9% compared to the same period in 2023), the Balearic Islands (15.1 million and an increase of 6.1%), and the Canary Islands (13.8 million, 9.6% more).

During this period, the total expenditure of international tourists increased by 16.7% and reached 118.693 billion euros, according to the INE. The United Kingdom was the country with the highest accumulated expenditure (18.1% of the total). It was followed by Germany (12.3%) and France (8.8%).

According to the tourist expenditure survey (Egatur), in the first 11 months of 2024, the Spanish regions that accumulated the highest tourist expenditure in their territories were Catalonia (with 18.9% of the total), the Canary Islands (17.4%), and the Balearic Islands (16.7%).