Spain welcomed a large influx of international visitors in the first seven months of the year, recording 47.6 million arrivals. This marks a year-on-year rise of 20.9% and reflects a strong rebound in global travel. Tourism receipts for the period reached 59.964 billion euros, up 25.3% from the previous year, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) on Friday. The momentum in tourism activity underscores Spain’s continued appeal as a premier destination for travelers from the Americas, Europe, and beyond.
Early in the year, border statistics on tourist movements indicate that more than 47.6 million visitors crossed into Spain by July, though the figure remains 0.8% below the same period in 2019. This comparison highlights the lingering effects of pandemic-era shifts but also emphasizes the rapid recovery and resilience of Spain’s tourism sector as destinations worldwide compete for travelers.
The countries sending the most visitors to Spain in the first months of the year were the United Kingdom, with about 9.8 million tourists, up 16.9% year over year; France, contributing over 6.4 million visitors, up 20.0%; and Germany, with more than 6 million arrivals, rising 9.6% from the previous year. These markets have traditionally formed the backbone of Spain’s tourism demand, supporting diverse regional growth across the country.
July alone saw Spain attract 10.1 million international tourists, an 11.4% increase from July 2022, and this figure was 2.6% higher than July 2019. The monthly performance illustrates steady momentum as travel rebounds and consumer confidence returns to pre-pandemic levels in many segments of the industry.
Within the July data, the United Kingdom remained the largest single market, accounting for more than 2 million visitors and about 20% of total tourism, with a 7% rise versus July 2022. France and Germany also ranked among the top source countries, contributing 1.6 million visitors (11.0% higher year over year) and more than 1.1 million visitors (4.8% higher), respectively. These patterns reflect ongoing preference for diverse itineraries and shorter breaks across Europe, as well as the appeal of Spain’s coastal, cultural, and culinary experiences.
By region, the Balearic Islands emerged as the leading destination in July, drawing about 24.1% of all visitors. Catalonia followed with 22.9%, and Andalusia with 13.3%. The regional distribution mirrors travelers’ appetite for sun, history, and distinctive local flavors, underscoring the importance of multi-destination itineraries for a balanced tourism economy.
Overall, more than 47 million tourists visited Spain through July, with cumulative expenditure reaching nearly 60 billion euros (EUR 59.864 billion). This total represents a 25.3% year-on-year increase and signals a robust recovery trajectory that aligns with broader European tourism rebounds. The spending growth also points to a shift toward higher-value travel, longer stays, or premium experiences as markets reopen and travelers regain confidence in international travel plans.
According to INE’s tourism expenditure indicators, cumulative spending is about 14.7% higher than the pre-pandemic year of 2019, illustrating a resilient return to or above historical levels in many sectors of Spain’s tourism economy. This resilience is spread across markets, with the United Kingdom showing a 9.8% rise in spend, France up 21.8%, and Germany up 4.5% compared with the same period a year earlier, highlighting continued growth in cross-border demand and the broader economic impact of tourism.
The INE tourism expenditure survey, often referred to as Egatur, shows that total expenditure in July reached 13.853 billion euros, up 16.4% from July 2022 and 16% higher than July 2019. Average expenditure per tourist stood at 1,367 euros, a 4.4% increase year over year, while average daily expenditure rose by 9% to 185 euros. These figures suggest that travelers are spending more per trip and per day, reflecting upgraded experiences and shifting travel preferences toward value and quality during the peak summer season, according to the INE.