Spain is riding a powerful wave of tourism success, with officials forecasting another surge in visitor numbers and spending for 2026. This follows a landmark year in 2025 that saw 97 million international tourists descend on the country, cementing its position as the world's second most visited destination after France.
Record Numbers and Economic Powerhouse
Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu presented an optimistic outlook, confirming the sector's pivotal role in the national economy. The industry is a major revenue driver, contributing significantly to Spain's economic growth, which has outperformed other European nations for two consecutive years.
According to estimates from the tourism lobby Exceltur, the sector is projected to have accounted for 13 per cent of Spain's gross domestic product in 2025. Minister Hereu revealed that last year's visitor figure marked a 3.5 per cent increase on 2024, while tourism revenues jumped by a substantial 6.8 per cent to 135 billion euros (approximately $157 billion).
"If growth continues this year, we will reach 100 million foreign tourists, but we aren't focused on that," Hereu stated, emphasising a shift in strategy.
Shifting Models and Rising Tensions
The Mediterranean nation's tourism model is evolving away from peak-season dependency. Data shows that tourist spending in the low and mid-seasons grew by 53 per cent compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019, outpacing the 34 per cent growth seen in the high season.
However, this remarkable boom has a flip side, generating considerable tension in many popular destinations. Residents in hotspots across the country have protested against the indirect effects of mass tourism, including soaring housing prices, severe congestion, and degradation of natural resources.
In response, some locations like Ibiza have implemented stricter controls on short-term holiday rentals. Despite these local challenges, the national appetite for tourism growth remains strong, with the first four months of 2026—including Easter—forecast to see a 3.7 per cent rise in visitors to 26 million people, who are expected to spend 35 billion euros.
A Safe Haven with a Bright Future
Minister Hereu pointed to Spain's enduring appeal as a safe and desirable destination. He noted that two-thirds of the tourists who visited in 2025 intend to return, and there is currently no sign that global geopolitical issues are affecting flight availability or booking trends.
This resilience underscores the sector's strength as Spain navigates the delicate balance between capitalising on a vital economic engine and addressing the legitimate concerns of its citizens in overburdened communities.
