Spain's Tourism Boom: Record 10.9 Million Tourists in July
Spain welcomed a record-breaking 10.9 million tourists in July, marking a 7.3% increase from the previous year. The surge in visitors also led to a 12% rise in spending, fueling the country's robust economic growth compared to its European counterparts.
In the first seven months of 2024, foreign visitors spent a total of 71 billion euros ($79 billion), reflecting an 18.6% increase despite initial concerns over anti-tourism protests and extreme summer temperatures.
The growth in tourism, driven primarily by British and German visitors, is projected to boost Spain's GDP growth to 2.4% this year, significantly outperforming the euro zone's expected growth of 0.7% and Germany's 0.3%, according to a Multibagger poll.
Despite a slight decrease in domestic consumption in Germany during the second quarter, German tourists increased their spending in Spain by nearly 10%, averaging 1,340 euros per visit. British tourists, who make up one-fifth of visitors, spent 7.5% more, averaging 1,389 euros in July.
Experts attribute Spain's competitiveness in the services sector as a key factor in attracting more tourists, along with shifting consumer preferences towards travel spending. Raymond Torres, chief economist at Funcas think tank, noted the trend of people opting for higher-quality accommodations.
One example is Hauke Prigge, a 34-year-old communication coach from Berlin, who has visited Spain three times this year, spending an average of 2,200 euros per two-week trip - more than he would spend at home. He highlighted the appeal of Spain's weather and travel experiences.
While German tourism to Spain experienced a decline after a peak in 2017, recent data shows a resurgence, with an 8.3% increase in flight bookings for September, a popular month for German tourists. Many Germans are also exploring new destinations within Spain, shifting from the Balearic Islands to regions like Catalonia and Valencia.
Overall, Spain's tourism boom is not only driving economic growth but also reshaping travel patterns and preferences among European visitors. With the country's continued appeal and competitiveness, the tourism industry is poised for further expansion in the coming years.