Spain is on track to surpass France as the leading European destination for international tourists, with projections indicating steady growth that will bring an estimated 115 million foreign
visitors annually by 2040. This milestone would solidify Spain's status as one of the world’s premier travel destinations.
While tourism in France has shown signs of decline—raising concerns for popular areas like Paris, the south, and northern regions like Normandy—Spain has continued to break visitor records. In 2023, Spain hosted over 91 million tourists, generating approximately €125 billion in revenue.
Looking forward, Spain’s tourism growth trajectory remains robust. Predictions suggest that 93 million foreign tourists will visit by 2025, reaching 100 million by 2030 and 107 million by 2035. This sustained increase is backed by tourism industry forecasts, underscoring Spain's appeal as a favored global destination.
There is also expected to be a shift in where tourists go within Spain. While traditional hotspots—Andalucía, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Catalonia, Valencia, and Madrid—will continue to attract most visitors, other regions are gaining interest. Places like Galicia, Asturias, the Basque Country, Navarre, and the Castilian regions are drawing tourists seeking experiences beyond Spain’s well-known sun and beach offerings.
Growth in Tourist Spending
Average daily spending by tourists is also on the rise, projected to reach €280 per day by 2030, double the levels recorded in 2017. This amount is expected to further increase to around €340 per day between 2035 and 2040, delivering a significant economic boost to the Spanish economy.
Tourism's share of Spain’s GDP is anticipated to surpass 15% in the coming decades, cementing its role as a cornerstone of economic growth and job creation. Regions like the Balearic and Canary Islands already reach this economic threshold, underscoring the sector’s critical role in regional development.
Spain’s growing popularity, alongside rising visitor spending, signals a bright future for the nation as it prepares to lead Europe’s tourism landscape. Photo by dronepicr, Wikimedia commons.