MADRID — In an unprecedented development, Spain welcomed a staggering 94 million international tourists in 2024, marking the highest number of visitors since records began, as reported by the tourism minister on Wednesday.
This achievement represents Spain’s second consecutive record year following 2019, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly hindered global travel. The resurgence of tourism highlights a broader global recovery in the industry. However, the increase in tourist arrivals coincides with a housing crisis in the country, which has raised questions about tourist accommodations.
According to the U.N. World Tourism Barometer, Spain is the second most frequented country for international tourism, trailing only France.
The influx of foreign visitors in 2024 reflected a 10% rise compared to the previous year, when 83.5 million travelers explored Spain, as noted by Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu.
The economic impact from these tourists was substantial, with revenue amounting to 126 billion euros (approximately $129.8 billion) over the past year, which is a 16% increase from the 108.7 billion euros (about $117 billion) recorded in 2023. The tourism sector plays a crucial role in Spain’s economy, contributing 12.3% to the country’s gross domestic product.
While Spain is renowned for its sun-drenched beach resorts, the Tourism Ministry reported that cultural tourism surged by 32%, and culinary travel saw a 28% increase compared to 2019, indicating a shift in traveler interests.
Moreover, the trend of traveling outside the peak summer season and a growing fascination with inland locations—beyond the typical attractions like Barcelona and the Mediterranean and Canary islands—were vital in achieving this impressive milestone. The growth of the Spanish tourism sector is also being fueled by a rise in visitors from the United States, Latin America, and Asia.
The post-pandemic era has seen many nations breaking their tourism records, with international arrivals reaching approximately 98% of the levels recorded in 2019 during the January to September period of 2024, according to statistics from the U.N. barometer.
