In 2024, Spain’s tourism trends presented a complex scenario of evolving travel habits and rising costs. Domestic travel within the country saw a slight decline compared to 2023, with 184 million trips recorded—one million fewer than the previous year. Despite this decrease in the volume of domestic trips, the spending per trip has increased significantly, signaling a shift in domestic travel behavior.

Increased Spending Despite Fewer Trips

Domestic tourists in Spain spent an average of €337 per trip in 2024, marking a 6% increase in overall spending compared to the previous year. This change contrasts with a decline in the number of trips taken within Spain. Compared to 2019, before the pandemic, the frequency of domestic travel had decreased by 5%. However, Spaniards were spending nearly 29% more, approximately €90 more per trip, indicating a clear shift in behavior.

This change was attributed to the longer duration of vacations, as **Spaniards recorded a record-high total of 811 million overnight stays in 2024. The average duration of trips extended to 4.4 days, suggesting that travelers were staying longer at fewer destinations.

Inflation’s Impact on Domestic Tourism

Inflation played a significant role in the evolving travel behavior. Restaurant prices in Spain saw an increase of 4.7%, while accommodation prices rose by 6.6% in 2024. Rising costs presented challenges for domestic travelers, pushing them to adjust their travel patterns. Meanwhile, international visitors continued to spend at record levels, contributing further to the gap between domestic and international tourism.

A Surge in International Travel

Though domestic tourism softened, international travel saw a significant increase. Spaniards took 21.6 million trips abroad in 2024, a 6.3% increase from the previous year. This growth in international travel contrasted with the 6.3% decline in domestic travel compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, domestic destinations remained the most popular for Spaniards, with nearly 163 million trips within the country.

Popular Domestic and International Destinations

In terms of domestic tourism, Andalusia emerged as the most visited region in 2024, attracting 31.6 million trips. Following Andalusia were Catalonia (23 million), the Valencian Community (17.9 million), and Castile and León (14.9 million). For international trips, France was the top destination with 3.6 million visits, followed by Portugal (3 million) and Italy (2 million). These destinations remain popular for travelers from Spain, especially those looking for quick and accessible international getaways.

Spain’s Economic Growth and International Tourism Impact

Despite the softening of domestic tourism, Spain’s overall economy benefited significantly from the continued strength of international tourism. The country’s GDP grew by 3.2% in 2024, outpacing the broader Eurozone and accounting for about half of its total economic growth. Foreign tourism alone saw an 11.8% increase, although slightly lower than the 20.1% surge observed in 2023.

The tourism sector’s performance was crucial for Spain’s economic resilience. Exports related to tourism services, including spending by international visitors, grew by 8.7%, driving much of the GDP growth. Public spending and household consumption also showed notable increases, at 4.1% and 2.8%, respectively. However, sectors such as investment and goods exports performed below average.

Employment Growth and Economic Stability

Tourism’s strong performance also translated into employment gains, with nearly 500,000 new jobs created in Spain in 2024. The rise in compensation per employee (by 5%) and the increase in working hours (2.8% year-on-year) helped boost Spain’s economic stability. These factors contributed to a 0.6% gain in hourly productivity, reflecting the growing significance of the tourism industry to Spain’s economic fabric.

A Tourism Economy in Transition

Spain’s tourism economy in 2024 reveals a landscape in transition. Although Spaniards are now opting for fewer trips within the country, they are spending more time and money on each trip. The longer stays are changing how people experience Spain domestically, focusing on quality over quantity. Meanwhile, international visitors continue to drive economic growth and support the country’s tourism sector.

For industry stakeholders, this dual trend—fewer domestic trips with higher spending and a growing reliance on international tourism—presents both challenges and opportunities. As inflation and rising prices continue to affect domestic travelers, Spain’s tourism sector must balance the needs of both local and international tourists. Ensuring that Spain remains attractive to both groups will be key to maintaining its position as a global tourism leader.

Navigating a Shifting Tourism Landscape

The evolving trends in Spain’s tourism market—marked by increased spending and longer vacations by domestic travelers, coupled with growth in international tourism—point to a future where the tourism sector’s success relies on adaptation. With the global travel industry changing rapidly, Spain must continue to invest in both the domestic and international aspects of its tourism economy to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

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