Spain, a Global Leader in Tourism 

Spain continues to maintain its global leadership in tourism. Since 2015, it has consistently ranked among the top three countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) tourism competitiveness rankings. In the latest Travel & Tourism Development Index, Spain ranks 2nd out of 119 economies worldwide.

Spain 2nd /119

Travel&Tourism Development Index

Key Indicators Fuentes:  Sources: National Statistics Institute (INE), Exceltur.
International tourist arrivals € 96.8 millon representing a 3.2% increase compared with 2024 and setting a new all-time record
International tourism receipts (Total expenditure) € 134.712 billion up 6.8% from the previous year
Average expenditure per visitor                                   € 1,541 (latest INE data, December 2025).
GDP and Employment: Tourism accounted for 13.3% of total employment (2.92 millon jobs) and approximately  13% of Spain’s GDP.
Spain's Performance

Spain once again broke its own record in 2025, welcoming almost 96.8 million international visitors. This achievement reinforces the country’s position as the second most visited destination in the world.

 

The Spanish tourism model stands out for its rich cultural and natural heritage, exceptional infrastructure, and tourism policies focused on sustainability and quality. In 2025, total tourism expenditure reached a record €134.712 billion, demonstrating that the sector is growing not only in volume but also in economic profitability.

 

Leading Regions in 2025

 

The autonomous communities receiving the highest number of tourists were:

 

  1. Catalonia: 20.1 million tourists (+0.6%)
  2. Balearic Islands: 15.7 million tourists (+2.6%)
  3. Canary Islands: 15.7 million tourists (+3.0%)
  4. Andalusia: 14.5 million tourists (+6.6%)
  5. Valencian Community: 12.4 million tourists (+4.3%)
  6. Madrid Region: 9.1 million tourists (+3.3%)