The world’s second most popular destination welcomed 10.9 million visitors in July and as many in August
Spain welcomed a record 21.8 million foreign tourists to its shores this summer, according to official figures released today.
This large tourist flow sparked protests in the country. This number represents a 7.3% increase compared to the summer of 2023, as reported by the National Statistics Service. Spain, the world’s second most popular destination, welcomed 10.9 million visitors in July and as many in August, according to the agency.
The “flood” of tourists has not pleased the Spanish, however, some of whom have demonstrated in recent months, mainly in Barcelona, Malaga in Andalusia, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. Protesters were protesting the burden on infrastructure, noise and pollution. They were also angered by the increase in rental prices as many properties are made available for short-term rental to tourists at high prices. Many regions of the country have reacted and Barcelona has pledged that by 2029 short-term rentals for tourists will be abolished.
The most represented country in terms of tourism this summer in Spain was Britain with 4.17 million British visitors. It is followed by France (3.75 million), Germany (2.49) and Italy (1.35). There was also a 13% increase in US tourists to 850,000. According to the National Statistics Service, during the first 8 months of the year Spain hosted a total of 64.8 million tourists, which is also a record. The most popular destinations in the country were Catalonia, the region that includes Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
Most tourists also left more revenue – a 17.6% increase during this eight month period – which in total amounted to 86.7 billion euros. This corresponds to 187 euros of tourist expenses per day per tourist.
