The Diplomat
Spain is heading towards a new record in the arrival of international tourists this year, after the latest data indicates that, until May, the number of visitors to our country has exceeded 33 million, which represents 13.6 % more than in the same period of 2023.
Furthermore, according to data made public yesterday by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), tourism spending in Spain has already risen to 43.2 billion euros, 21.8% more than in the first five months of 2023.
The United Kingdom continues to be the main source market, with more than 6.3 million tourists between January and May, 10.6% more. They are followed by France, with 4.42 million, 13.2% more, and Germany, with 4.41 million, 14.7% more. Particularly noteworthy is the growth of the Belgian market, with 20.3%, and Ireland, with an increase of almost 19%.
In May alone, 9.3 million international tourists visited Spain, 11.5% more than in May 2023, spending 11,687 million euros, which represents a growth of 19.7% compared to the same month of the year. last year.
Each visitor spent an average of 1,263 euros in May, 7.3% more than last year, and daily spending reached 204 euros, an increase of 8.6% year-on-year. The average length of stay was 6 days.
Commenting on the data, the Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, pointed out that “Spain is an attractive destination for international tourists,” and highlighted that “the most notable thing is the increase in average spending per visitor, which is growing above of inflation and contributes – he said – to the modernization, sustainability and quality of employment in the sector.”
The minister highlighted that the growth in visits to inland autonomous communities was above the Mediterranean areas and the islands in May. “From the Government we will continue working from sustainability, decentralization and deseasonalization to keep Spain among the first places in the preferences of international tourists,” Hereu stressed.
Catalonia was the first destination for tourists in May, with 22% of the total, followed by the Balearic Islands (21.6%) and Andalusia (14.6%). 5.9% more tourists arrived in Catalonia than in May 2023, while the number of tourists who visited the Balearic Islands increased by 11.1% and 11.4% more came to Andalusia.
In the accumulated of the first five months of 2024, the communities that received the most tourists were Catalonia (7.1 million and an increase of 13.1% compared to the same period in 2023), the Canary Islands (6.5 million and an increase of 10.7%) and Andalusia (4.9 million, 12.9% more).
In terms of spending level, the main emitting countries in May were the United Kingdom (with 18.8% of the total), Germany (12.1%) and France (8.5%). Likewise, spending by tourists residing in the United Kingdom increased by 16.2% in annual rate, that of those from Germany by 18% and that of those from France by 17.7%.
In the first five months of 2024, the United Kingdom was the country with the highest accumulated spending (17.1% of the total). They were followed by Germany (13%) and France (7.8%). On the other hand, the main destination autonomous communities with the greatest weight in tourist spending in May were Catalonia (with 19.9% of the total), the Balearic Islands (19%) and the Community of Madrid (15.1%). Tourist spending increased by 8.3% in annual rate in Catalonia, 16.6% in the Balearic Islands and 39.9% in the Community of Madrid.
Furthermore, the communities with the highest accumulated spending in the first five months of 2024 were the Canary Islands (with 22.3% of the total), Catalonia (18.0%) and Andalusia (15.1%).
Expenditure on international transportation (not included in the tourist package) was the main item in May, with 21.3% of total expenditure and an increase of 21.6% compared to the same month in 2023. The following items were spending in activities and accommodation, with 20.2% and 17.6% of the total, respectively. The first increased by 17.3% and the second by 22.6%.
