Spain’s tourism rebound and outlook
In 2023, officials anticipated a peak in tourist arrivals and spending that would restore Spain to its usual activity level, as discussed by the minister during the Hotusa Explora tourism forum in Madrid. Government forecasts projected the sector would regain pre-pandemic vitality after surpassing the 83.7 million international visitors recorded in 2019, with total expenditures nearing 92,728 million euros for that year. Despite a challenging international climate, the trend indicated a steady recovery built on both domestic demand and renewed interest from travelers abroad, signaling a hopeful path forward for Spain’s tourism economy.
Spain’s tourism sector has entered a strong rebound phase following a two-year pause caused by the pandemic. Early recovery relied heavily on domestic travelers, but recent months have seen international visitors return with vigor. This renewed demand is helping sustain momentum even as uncertainties in the global economy continue to affect travel plans.
a recovery in 2022
Official December data were not yet published at the time of the review, but estimates from the Ministry indicated that 2022 closed with approximately 71.5 million foreign tourists, reclaiming about 85% of pre-pandemic levels. This marked improvement contrasted with 2021, when arrivals dipped to around 31 million. If targets were achieved, the year would still reflect a gap of about 12.2 million visitors from 2019 levels, underscoring a partial yet meaningful rebound across Spain’s tourism landscape.
Executive projections also showed international visitors spending an estimated 87,100 million euros in 2022, reaching roughly 94% of pre-pandemic spending. This recovery was supported by price dynamics in the sector, stimulated by renewed demand and the inflationary pressures that affected costs for many operators. The government’s accounting captured all expenditures incurred by travelers within Spain and the direct impact on the economy, including accommodation, activities, and transportation costs borne by visitors at the time.
Looking ahead, Spain’s tourism sector emphasized resilience and adaptability. Stakeholders underscored the importance of delivering high-quality service, improving connectivity, and offering competitive pricing to attract leisure and business travelers from key markets. As the country navigates ongoing global economic shifts, the focus remains on sustainable growth, diversification of tourist offerings, and the development of experiences that appeal to a broad range of visitors while protecting cultural and natural assets. The strategy also emphasizes responsible tourism practices, community involvement, and the preservation of Spain’s diverse regions as fundamental drivers of long-term vitality.