According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), showing how these tourists are, Spain received 4.3 million international tourists in February, 35.9% more than in the same month of 2022. They spent 41.1% more reached 5 billion 326 million euros compared to the same month of the previous year.
While tourism in Spain recovered strongly in the first two months of the year, a total of 8.5 million visitors visited our country. 49.1% increase the figure recorded in the same period a year ago.
This increase in visitors was accompanied by an increase in spending. So in the first two months of the year Total spending by international tourists visiting Spain increased by 54.7% reached 10,544 million euros compared to the same period last year. Compared to 2019, this figure is 12.9% higher.
On behalf of Héctor Gómez, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, “It’s been an outstanding start to the year We are at the door of a blessed week where we expect the occupancy and expenditure records for tourism to be broken.”
The United Kingdom continues to be the country that sends the most tourists to Spain with 18.2%. A total of 784,496 Britons arrived in Spain in February. This means an increase of 35.6% compared to February of the previous year.
France and Germany ranked next in terms of number of visitors. Thus, France contributed 636,530 (23.8% more year-on-year) and Germany 509,883 (30.9% more). Among the remaining countries of residence, the annual increase in tourists from the United States (93.0%), Italy (44.0%) and Switzerland (42.8%) stands out.
In the first two months of 2023, a total of 8.5 million people came to Spain, 49.1% more than in 2022 however, it is still 1.3% below the figure recorded in the first two months of 2019 before the pandemic.
Main exporting countries In the first two months of 2023 were the United Kingdom (more than 1.5 million tourists and 61.9 percent year-on-year), France (more than 1.1 million and 30.2% increase) and Germany (988,142 tourists, 47.2%) . More).
Canary Islands, favorite destination
INE data shows how Canary Islands It has once again become a favorite destination for international tourists, who make up 28.5% of all visitors. they follow him Catalonia (21.4%) and Andalusia (14.2%).
More than 1.2 million tourists came to the Canary Islands, 27.1% more than in February 2022. The main countries of residence of tourists from this community were: United Kingdom (with 33.1% of the total) and Germany (17.1%).
The number of tourists visiting Catalonia increased by 49.3 percent to 924 thousand 464. 22% came from France and 8.1% from the UK.
The third group that receives the most tourists is tourists. Andalusia with 611,588 tourists and an annual increase of 43.9%. The UK is the main country of origin (19.2% of the total), followed by the Scandinavian countries (11.3%).
In the rest of the communities, the number of tourists increased by 60.3%. Community of Madrid22.8% Valencian Community and 21.5% Balearic Islands.
In the sum of the first two months of 2023 Communities receiving the most tourists were the Canary Islands (more than 2.4 million, up 40.9% compared to the same period of 2022), Catalonia (up 1.7 million and 58.9%), and Andalusia (by almost 1.2). . million, 58.1% more).
Most visitors arrived in Spain by air, for a total of 3.6 million (an annual increase of 38.4%). 23% more tourists come by road, According to data from the statistical institute, 55.1% more by rail and 63% by port.
In February, hotel stays increased by 26.2%, while rental housing increased by 80.2%. The number of tourists staying at the house of relatives or friends increased by 45.1 percent and 35.3% of the residents in the owned house.
Entertainment, entertainment and holidays were the main reason for the trip of 3.5 million tourists (+33.3%) to Spain in February. work and other professional reasons 376,394 arrivals (65.5% more)
INE data shows that around 3.4 million tourists traveled without a tourist package in February, representing an annual increase of 35.3%. Arrived with 922,020 tourist packages, 38.2% more
Spending grows 4%.
This increase in the number of tourists brought increased spending last February it averaged around 1,233 euros, representing an annual increase of 3.8%. Average daily spending increased by 19.2% to 163 euros.
average duration of voyages, international tourists It was 7.6 days, which is 1.1 days less than February 2022.
Total expenditure by international tourists so far this year increased by 54.7% reached 10,544 million euros compared to the same period last year. Compared to the pre-pandemic 2019 data, this cumulative figure is 12.9% more on tourist spending.
The countries that spent the most in Spain were: United Kingdom (with 15.8% of the total), Germany (11.7%) and Nordic countries (8.8%).
cost Proportion of tourists residing in the UK to increase Annual rate is 25.2%, Germany 26.7% and Scandinavian countries 34.4%.
in the first two months of 2023 The United Kingdom was also the country with the highest cumulative spending. (16% of the total). These are followed by Germany (11.5%) and Scandinavian countries (9%).
Autonomous communities The places where tourists spend the most were the Canary Islands with 33.7%, Catalonia with 17.5% and Comunidad de Madrid with 13.6%. Tourist expenditures rose 27.6% year-on-year in the Canary Islands, 59.3% in Catalonia and 80.2% in the Community of Madrid.
Operating expenditures were the main item in February with 22.8% of total expenditures and an increase of 37.6% compared to the same month of 2022. This is followed by international transportation expenditures and maintenance expenditures.with 22.1% and 16.2%, respectively. The first increased by 72.8% on an annual basis, while the second increased by 28.8%.
In February, overnight tourists accounted for 58.1% of the total expenditure. hotel accommodation, an annual increase of 40.8%. Non-market accommodation expenditures, on the other hand, increased by 27.9%.
Tourist spending They did not travel with a tourist package (representing 78.9% of the total) rose 40.4% year over year. The rate of those who rented a tourist package increased by 44%.