Spain witnessed an unprecedented influx of international tourists in 2023, setting a new record with 85.1 million visitors. The majority of these travelers chose to stay for a duration ranging from 4 to 7 nights.
Great news! In 2023, Spain experienced a tourism boom, holding a record-breaking 85.1 million international tourists. This milestone not only reached the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 but also reflected a great 25% increase in comparison to the previous year.
Key contributors to Spain’s tourism surge were the United Kingdom (UK), Germany and France, with these countries appearing as the top sources of international visitors. Tourists significantly impacted Spain’s economy, with an impressive revenue 108.7 billion euros ($117 billion) in 2023. This marked a substantial 25% rise compared to the previous year, highlighting the vital role of tourism, which contributes 12% to the country’s gross household product.
Catalonia, particularly Barcelona, along with the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands off North Africa, appeared as the most sought-after destinations within Spain, attracting visitors from around the world.
In December 2023 alone, Spain welcomed 5.2 million international tourists, showcasing a substantial increase of 26.2% compared to the same month from 2022. The United Kingdom remained the primary country of origin, contributing 907,752 tourists, representing an 18.7% growth from December 2022. France and Germany also significantly contributed, with 819,405 tourists (23.7% increase) and 561,521 tourists (23.7% increase), respectively.
The majority of tourists opted for a stay ranging from four to seven nights, totaling over 2.2 million visitors. However, there was a meaningful 22.3% increase in the number of day-trippers and a substantial 32.7% surge in tourists with extended stays lasting over 15 nights.
In terms of travel deals, almost 4.1 million tourists chose independent travel without a tourist package in November, reflecting a substantial 24.8% increase. On the other hand, over 1.1 million tourists opted for a tourist package, marking a notable 31.3% rise.
Spain’s success in attracting international tourists solidified its position as one of the top three global tourist destinations, alongside France and the United States. With this impressive tourism performance, Spain is poised to continue reaping the economic benefits and maintaining its charm as a desired travel destination.
