Spain welcomed an unprecedented 94 million international tourists in 2024, marking a historic high for the nation's tourism sector, according to the tourism minister's announcement on Wednesday.
This achievement represents Spain's second record-breaking year since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel. The resurgence in tourism arrives amidst ongoing concerns about housing affordability in Spain, intensified by tourist accommodations.
Globally, Spain is ranked as the second most favored destination, trailing only France, according to the U.N. World Tourism Barometer.
Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu noted that the influx of international visitors in 2024 surpassed the 2023 figure of 83.5 million by 10%.
Revenue generated from these visitors amounted to 126 billion euros ($129.8 billion) over the past year, reflecting a 16% increase from the 108.7 billion euros ($117 billion) recorded in 2023. Tourism contributes to 12.3% of Spain's gross domestic product.
While Spain is renowned for its coastal attractions, the Tourism Ministry reported a significant rise in cultural and culinary tourism, with a 32% and 28% increase, respectively, compared to 2019.
The ministry attributes this success to increased travel during off-peak seasons and the growing appeal of inland destinations, beyond traditional hotspots such as Barcelona, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. Furthermore, the Spanish tourism sector has witnessed a surge in visitors from the United States, Latin America, and Asia, complementing its established European market.
Numerous countries have reported tourism milestones post-COVID-19 pandemic. The U.N. barometer indicates that international arrivals have recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels between January and September 2024.