The Spanish Tourism Institute, known as Turespaña, reported a striking rebound in international visitors from China during the first half of the year. Data show a 420% increase in Chinese travelers compared with the same period in 2023, accompanied by a jump in spending that reached 592% higher than the prior year. In plain terms, Chinese visitors helped Spain’s tourism sector bounce back strongly from the disruptions of the pandemic, signaling a renewed appetite to explore Spain’s cities, coastlines, and cultural treasures. This surge has been read as a sign of growing confidence among Asian travelers and a welcome development for Spain’s hospitality and travel industries.
Remarks from Spain’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism highlighted that 135,715 Chinese visitors accounted for total expenditures of 421,574,514 euros on travel, lodging, dining, and related experiences during the six months. The figures reveal not only higher arrivals but also a shift toward greater consumer spending per person, underscoring Chinese tourists’ willingness to invest more in experiences as travel channels reopen and consumer confidence returns to pre pandemic norms.
The quarterly report on tourist resource markets for the second quarter draws on microdata from the National Institute of Statistics and examines 19 source markets. It covers 15 European nations, three Asian markets including China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, and one North American market, the United States. The analysis emphasizes Spain’s diversified demand base and the continued importance of both established and emerging markets in sustaining tourism growth.
On behalf of the Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Hector Gomez commented that the Asian market, led by Chinese travelers, brings excellent news for Spain’s tourism sector. The minister noted that summer arrivals in 2023 would restore Spain’s connectivity toward pre pandemic levels, and he projected that by 2024 the market would be fully integrated as a key pillar of the country’s tourism economy. The statements reflect a strategic emphasis on rebuilding international traffic, expanding flight routes, and improving visitor experiences to meet rising demand from Asia.
The report also identifies the United Kingdom, Germany, and France as the principal feeder markets for Spanish tourism. It notes that during the first six months, the United Kingdom alone accounted for the largest share of tourists and tourism spending, contributing 18% of total expenditures and 20.7% of overall tourist inflow. This distribution underscores the ongoing importance of Western European markets while signaling the growing role of Asian travelers in Spain’s travel ecosystem.