Spain set new tourism records in 2025, welcoming a historic 97 million international visitors and generating €135 billion in tourism revenue, driven by strong European demand, extended seasons, and growth in long - haul markets, despite rising concerns over “overtourism” leading to new regulations in cities like Malaga and Seville to balance economic benefits with resident quality of life and environmental sustainability.
The country consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading holiday destinations, surpassing the 94 million visitors received in 2024, a collective success celebrated by the Spanish Government.
The Minister of Tourism, Jordi Hereu at a press conference in Madrid stated that this new record demonstrates that Spain is a very attractive country that captivates.
According to the estimate given by the Minister, who emphasized the economic benefits generated by this massive influx of visitors, the country generated €135 billion in revenue last year, an increase of 6.8% compared to 2024.
However, the Minister called on professionals working in the tourism sector to diversify and control the offer, especially in the most visited regions, in order to provide higher quality and continue to grow in the future.
Indeed, the issue of mass of mass tourism still causes very strong tensions in the population, particularly in popular destinations such as Barcelona, Malaga and Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands or the Canary Islands, where demonstrations against overtourism are frequent.
Key Features and Statistics:
• Visitor Numbers: 97 million international tourists, a 3.5% increase from 2024.
• Tourist Revenue: €135 billion, up 6.8% from the previous year.
• Main Source Markets: UK, Germany, and France remain dominqant, though long haul markets (US, Asia) also saw increased spending.
• Extended Season: Strong performances extended beyond summer, with record months in September, October, and November.
Driving Factors:
• Enduring Appeal: Continued demand for sun, culture, and city breaks.
• Post - Pandemic Rebound: Consolidation of growth after the COVID - 19 pandemic.
Challenges and Responses (Overtourism):
• Resident Backflash: Protests against rising housing costs and changes to neighbourhood fabric.
Government Actions:
• Regulation: Crackdowns on illegal short - term rentals (Airbnb, Booking.com).
• Fees and Fines: Plans for tourist entry fees (Seville’s Plaza de España) and fines for inappropriate behaviour (Malaga).
• Sustainability Focus: Government emphasizing “triple sustainability” (social, economic, environmental) in growth.
Impact:
• Tourism remains a vital economic engine, creating jobs and connecting cultures.
• The sector faces pressure to manage its social and environmemtal footprint in popular destinations.
Spain’s tourism outlook for 2026 is optimistic, expecting continued growth beyond - record breaking 2025, with projections nearing 100 million visitors, though the rapid post - pandemic boom is transitioning to a more sustainable, moderate, growth phase, focusing on increased spending and addressing challenges like rising local costs and short - term rental restrictions.
The sector remains crucial for the economy, benefiting from strong international demand, especially from the UK, while managing shifts in source markets and aiming for greater sustainability.
Link
https://www.publituris.pt/2026/01/16/espanha-bate-recorde-de-visitantes-internacionais-e-receitas-turisticas-em-2025
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