Spain | The National Economy Relies More than Ever on Tourism, Making it a Cornerstone For the Country's Growth

The Spanish economy relies more than ever on tourism, making it a cornerstone for the country's growth, contributing around 15% of GDP, supporting million of jobs, and driving significant economic growth, especially following the pandemic with record visitor numbers and spending in 2024/2025, though this success brings concerns about overtourism and housing affordability for locals.

The national economy’s tourism dependence increases for the fourth consecutive year and reaches levels never seen before. According to data collection by the National Statistics Institute (INE), tourism’s direct contribution to national GDP amounted to 12.6% in 2024, two tenths more than in 2023. This growth was driven by record numbers of visitors, with approximately 94 million international tourists arriving that year.

Tourism activity generated €200.699 million in 2024, which represents an increase of 8.2% compared to the €185.496 million reached a year earlier. On average, Spain’s GPD registered an increase of 6.4%, almost two points less than the tourism sector's growth.

In 2024, employment in the economic branches characteristic of tourism exceeded 2.7 million jobs. This accounted for 12.3% of the economy’s total employment, 0.1 points more than in 2023. 

The data made public by the National Statistics Institute (INE) confirm the forecast made almost a year ago by Exceltur, Allianza para la Excelencia Turisitica, a non - profit group formed by the Chairmen of the 22 leading Spanish tourist groups, which advanced that tourism GDP would exceed €200.000 million for the first time in history.

 Current Key Indicators of Tourism Importance: 

•    GDP Contribution: Tourism accounts for roughly 15 – 16% of Spain’s GDP, a significant chunk of its economic output, notes Spanish Express and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). 
•    Job Creation: The sector supports around 3 million jobs, representing about 14% of total employment, reports the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
•    Record Arrivals & Spending: 2024 saw record visitor numbers (approaching 94 million) and over €100 billion in tourist spending, boosting overall GDP growth, says the Spanish Express and BBC News, and the country is set for a breaking 2025 in tourism projected to reach nearly 100 million international visitors by year – end. 
•    Services Exports: Tourism is a massive driver of Spain’s services exports, which are significantly higher than pre – pandemic levels, benefiting hotels, rfestaurants, and related businesses.

The country has experienced a post - pandemic boom in which the tourism rebound has been pivotal, in  helping its economy outperform other major European European nations like France and Italy, according to BBC News and Goldman Saches. 

Tourism in Spain is an essential resource, diverse attractions like world - famous beaches, rich cultural cities, historical sites, natural landscapes, renowned cuisine, excellent infrastructure, and high - quality healthcare, all supported by a strong push and a vibrant lifestyle are all elements attracting a multitude of travellers, making the country a global powerhouse in the travel and leisure tourism with a more than relevant income for its economy, making it a vital pillar for its growth.

 Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/la-economia-espanola-se-apoya-mas-que-nunca-en-el-turismo/