Spain Registers Record Int'l Tourist Numbers in Q1

In March, six million tourists visited Spain, a 21 percent increase from last year; however, reports also indicate that this can be partly attributed to the early Easter holidays.

In 2023, more than 85 million tourists visited Spain, spending 108,662 billion euros (117.104 billion U.S. dollars), making up 12.8 percent of the country's GDP.

INE reported an increase in the number of people visiting Spain as well as holiday spending.

Internationally, tourists spent 21,948 million euros between January and March, 27.2 percent more than in the same period in 2023. March spending was 8,652 million euros, 29.7 percent higher than a year ago.

"Spain has once again broken its records," said the Minister for Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu. He further noted that the results indicate that Spain is successfully transitioning from traditional beach tourism to a more sustainable model, with an increased focus on culture, shopping, and gastronomy for visitors. "We will continue working to diversify and de-seasonalize," added Hereu.

The United Kingdom, Germany, and France continue to be the main source markets for visitors to Spain. However, a significant increase in Chinese tourists returning to Spain reflects the changing tourism model.

According to the INE, 160,371 Chinese people visited the country in the first quarter of 2024, almost half the total in 2023.

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