Spain is set to welcome more foreign visitors and higher overall tourist spending in 2026 after recording a historic surge in arrivals last year, according to the country’s tourism minister.
Spain received a record 97 million foreign tourists in 2025, Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu told reporters, adding that visitor numbers rose 3.5% compared with 2024. Tourism revenues increased faster, climbing 6.8% to 135 billion euros. While Spain could reach 100 million foreign visitors if growth continues, Hereu said the government is not focused on hitting that milestone.
Tourism remains a key driver of Spain’s economy. The country is the world’s second most visited destination after France, and the sector accounted for an estimated 13% of gross domestic product in 2025, according to tourism lobby group Exceltur. Spain’s economic growth has outpaced that of most European peers over the past two years, supported in part by strong tourism demand.
Looking ahead to early 2026, authorities expect continued momentum. In the first four months of the year, including the Easter holiday period, Spain is forecasting a 3.7% rise in foreign visitors to around 26 million. Tourist spending during this period is projected to reach 35 billion euros, up 2.5% from the same time last year.
However, the tourism boom has also created pressure in popular destinations. Rising housing costs, congestion and environmental concerns have triggered public discontent in some areas. In response, destinations such as Ibiza have moved to curb short-term holiday rentals.
Hereu said Spain is working to reduce dependence on peak travel periods. Official data shows tourist spending in low and mid-seasons has risen 53% compared with pre-pandemic levels in 2019, while spending during the high season has increased 34%.
The minister added that two-thirds of tourists who visited Spain in 2025 plan to return, citing safety as a key factor. He said there are currently no signs that global geopolitical tensions are affecting flight availability or booking trends.
