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Spain’s 85.1 million foreign visitors last year set a tourism record

FILE - People sunbathe on a beach in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 12, 2023. Spain received a record 85.1 million international tourists in the 2023, a 19% increase from the same period last year, the country’s National Statistics Institute has reported. The figure is up from 83.5 million in 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the travel industry worldwide. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

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MADRID (AP) — Spain received a record 85.1 million international tourists last year, 19% more than the year before, the National Statistics Institute reported Friday.

The number of foreign visitors in 2023 surpassed the 83.5 million who went to Spain in 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic ruled out most leisure travel.

The U.K., France and Germany sent the highest number of tourists to Spain last year.

The National Statistics Institute said Spain’s income from foreign tourists reached 108.7 billion euros ($117 billion) in 2023, an increase of 25% from the previous year. Tourism accounts for 12% of the country’s gross domestic product.

The northeastern region of Catalonia, including Barcelona , followed by the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands off North Africa were the top destinations.

France, Spain and the United States have been the world’s three top tourist destinations for many years.

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Americans Can Travel to Spain Starting June 7

"They're welcome — more than welcome — without restrictions nor health controls," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.

Spain's borders will reopen to vaccinated travelers, including Americans, from outside the European Union on June 7.

Travelers who have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine are allowed to enter Spain, no matter their origin country, Reuters reported Friday.

Beginning May 24, travelers from countries outside the EU that have been deemed a low coronavirus risk — like Australia and New Zealand — will be able to enter Spain without presenting a negative PCR test.

"They're welcome — more than welcome — without restrictions nor health controls," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said of travelers from these low-risk countries.

Last month, Spain announced that it expected to reopen to U.S. travelers in June and had begun a pilot program to test out its vaccine passports.

Spain is counting on the reboot of its international tourism to lead its economy growth after a pandemic slump. Prime Minister Sanchez said the government expects its international tourism levels to reach 70% of their pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. This summer, the country expects to see anywhere from 30 to 40% of its pre-pandemic visitation levels.

The pandemic caused an 80% drop in foreign tourism numbers in 2020, Reuters noted.

The announcement comes just a few days after the EU announced that it would reopen to outside travelers who have been vaccinated and just after the bloc agreed on terms of its EU Digital COVID Certificate , a digital or paper document providing proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test if necessary.

Vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency for travelers include Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.

Cailey Rizzo is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure, currently based in Brooklyn. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram , or at caileyrizzo.com .

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Foreign tourism to Spain beats pre-COVID record in 2023, seen rising

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Corina is a Madrid-based business reporter focusing on coverage of retail, infrastructure and tourism including some of Spain's biggest companies like Inditex and Ferrovial. She was previously a senior correspondent in Venezuela, where she reported the Chavez and later Maduro government's efforts to retain power and the effects on the economy.

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Spain’s tourist sector battered once more, as sixth wave of coronavirus pandemic prompts hotel cancelations

The canary islands’ high season is the worst hit right now, with only the country’s ski resorts apparently immune to the effects of the omicron variant.

Spain’s hospitality and leisure sectors are reliving their worst nightmares. The coronavirus pandemic battered the country’s mighty tourism sector, which was responsible for 12.4% of GDP before the health crisis broke out. But since the summer, the sector had regained some optimism. Then the omicron variant arrived, causing a never-before-seen explosion of cases in Spain, and turning everything upside down once more.

Cancellations, a slowdown in reservations and a series of new restrictions announced by Spain and other countries are all putting the tourism sector on alert. “There has been a worrying change of trend,” explains José Luis Zoreda, the vice-president of the Exceltur tourism association. “In October we were very hopeful because we were starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and six weeks later here we are again, bogged down and waiting to see how long this situation will last.”

“There are people who canceled early and others who are canceling at the last minute, but whatever the case there are a lot of cancellations right now,” says Ramón Estalella, the general secretary of the Cehat hotel association. He adds that there are a number of factors prompting these changes in plans: fear of infection, restrictions on activities that he describes as “medieval,” and rules that can, from one day to the next, change entry requirements into the country thus complicating the arrival of foreign tourists.

Given that the situation is still evolving, both Exceltur and Cehat consider it too early to put figures on the situation across Spain. But estimates from some associations help to paint a picture. “Just 50% of tourists are keeping their travel plans in place,” said the Valencia hotel association Hosbec on Tuesday. The body calculates that average occupation over New Year week will be around 50% of total beds. The Canary Islands appear to be holding up better, with occupation around 75%. But in context, this figure is of concern given that right now is the archipelago’s high season. Only ski resorts appear to be avoiding the problems caused by the pandemic. It’s a conundrum that’s as diverse as Spain’s tourism sector itself.

Canary Islands

While the current hotel occupation level is 75%, this is expected to plummet in January and February, according to forecasts. “We are barely getting any reservations,” explains the president of the Las Palmas Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Employers, José María Mañaricúa. “They have been frozen for a month, but this is due to the restrictions across Europe and not because we have any problems here,” he clarifies.

The situation is one of great uncertainty,” adds David Morales, president of the Skal Tourism organization in Gran Canaria. “Sales have stalled, and there is no activity either via tour operators or travel agencies.”

Balearic Islands

The region has seen a slowdown in reservations over the coming months, with the market “completely halted,” according to the Association of Hotel Chains in the Balearics. The president of this association, Gabriel Llobera, confirms that in December there was a slowdown of sales for summer, as well as a raft of last-minute cancellations for Christmas and New Year. “reservations for high season are currently 40% below those seen in 2019,” he explains.

Sources from European tour operators describe the current situation as complicated, although they believe that this will be a “short-term” episode. “From next week, summer reservations will start and some people may wait, but the reservations for spring onward will be maintained,” they add.

Good weather

Other tourist sports that attract foreign tourists, such as the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol, are also suffering from the current situation. Toni Mayor, the president of Hosbec, bemoans the turn of events caused by omicron. “In October the outlook for Christmas was very good, and now we are 30 or 35% below what we could have done,” he explains. Fahat, the Andalusian Federation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation, calculates that the occupation between December 23 and January 2 will not reach 56%, compared to 78% in the same period in 2019.

An unexpected spell of warm weather, which is seeing temperatures above 20ºC in Valencia, has raised hopes of a certain recovery before 2021 is over. “Second residences, meaning people will come here to spend a few days, in the end helps with the restaurant sector and you can see there is more of an atmosphere,” Mayor explains.

But the perspective is that January will be an uphill struggle. “When the holidays are over, which will coincide with the peak of infections, we will have a very complicated six weeks until the end of February,” the hotelier predicts.

Sluggish cities

Urban hotels are also banking on the arrival of March for some relief. The chain Soho Boutique Hotels, which manages 27 establishments in Spain, has seen customers cancel 35% of December reservations in the last 15 days. Fears of a spike in infections has seen occupation fall to 65% in nearly all the group’s hotels, compared to the 82% seen in December 2019. “We are hoping for an uptick in occupation at the end of January and for March to see normal figures,” explains Isabel Pons, the group’s communications director.

The expectations of hoteliers in Barcelona for New Year of 80% occupation have also been dashed. The rise in infections and restrictions, in particular the curfew and closure of the nightlife sector in Catalonia, has prompted a steady stream of cancellations, with 10 to 20% of reservations annulled.

The same has been seen with tourist apartments, which are closing the year with 60% of occupation compared to the 80% forecast. According to calculations from Apartur, the association of tourist apartments in Barcelona, losses for last-minute cancellations amount to €2.8 million. In the case of hotels, the sector predicts that occupation this Christmas will not exceed 40% in establishments that are currently open: 320 out of a total of 440 in the capital.

Rural tourism

The last week of the year is usually the high season for inland accommodation, with rural properties usually completely full. But according to Silvia Manzanera, spokesperson for the Autural organization, which brings together 4,000 members from the sector across Spain, occupation is expected to be around 70 to 80% this week. “We have seen the highest number of cancellations for houses for groups,” she explains. Fear of infection among people who usually do not live together is complicating these plans.

However, Manzanera points to the fact that rural accommodation continues to be “in high demand, because this is tourism in small environments that have made a major effort to adapt to Covid regulations.”

A snowy paradise

All of this uncertainty is not, for now, affecting Spain’s ski resorts. Hoteliers and the owners of resorts all over the country have been eagerly anticipating the Christmas holidays in order to compensate for the disastrous season last year. Ramón Boter, the head of communication at the Masella ski resort in Girona, has been delighted by the number of skiers who have visited and reports that occupation is practically 100% in the area. “People are really keen to ski because they haven’t been able to do so normally for two years,” he explains.

Businesses in the sector in Andalusia are not concerned either. Santiago Sevilla, the head of communication at Cetursa Sierra Nevada, explains that occupation is as high as 80%. “There have been a few cancellations, but new customers are taking these up, meaning that the average has remained balanced for some days now,” he adds. Luis Núñez, president of a tourist accommodation association in Asturias, is also breathing a sigh of relief. “Until now, among all the reservations we had, very few have been canceled,” he says.

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Thousands protest against over-tourism in Spain’s Canary Islands

Demonstrators say mass tourism is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets of Spain’s Canary Islands to demand changes to the model of mass tourism they say is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

An estimated 57,000 people joined the protests, which began at midday (11:00 GMT) on Saturday, Spanish media reports said, citing the central government’s representative in the islands.

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Flag-waving crowds packed the streets of the main towns across all of the archipelago’s seven islands, chanting and whistling, and holding placards with slogans like: “The Canary Islands are not up for sale!”; “A moratorium on tourism”; and “Respect my home”.

“It’s not a message against the tourist, but against a tourism model that doesn’t benefit this land and needs to be changed,” one of the protesters told the Reuters news agency during the march in Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Smaller marches were held elsewhere in the island group and other Spanish cities, all of them organised by about two dozen environmental organisations ahead of the peak summer holiday season.

The protests were called by some 20 social and environmental groups who say tourist overcrowding perpetuates an economic model that harms local residents and damages the environment.

They want the authorities to limit the number of visitors and have proposed introducing an eco-tax to protect the environment, a moratorium on tourism and a clampdown on the sale of properties to non-residents.

“The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious. The Canary Islands have limits and people’s patience [does], too,” Antonio Bullon, one of the protest leaders, told Reuters.

‘We can’t keep looking away’

The archipelago of 2.2 million people was visited by nearly 14 million foreign tourists in 2023, up 13 percent from the previous year, according to official data.

Authorities in the islands are concerned about the impact on locals. A draft law expected to pass this year – one that toughens the rules on short lets – follows complaints from residents priced out of the housing market.

Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo said on Friday that he felt “proud” that the region was a leading Spanish tourist destination, but acknowledged that more controls were needed as the sector continues to grow.

“We can’t keep looking away. Otherwise, hotels will continue to open without any control,” he told a press conference.

Anti-tourism protests have multiplied in recent months across Spain, the world’s second-most visited country, prompting authorities to try to reconcile the interests of locals and a lucrative sector that accounts for 12.8 percent of Spain’s economy.

The Canary Islands, which lie off the northwestern coast of Africa, are known for their volcanic landscapes and year-round sunshine attracting millions of visitors every year, with four in 10 residents working in tourism – a sector that accounts for 36 percent of the islands’ gross domestic product (GDP).

Before the coronavirus pandemic brought the global travel industry to its knees in 2020, over-tourism protest movements were already active in Spain, notably in Barcelona.

After travel restrictions were lifted, tourism surged, with Spain welcoming a record 85.1 million visitors last year.

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Spain once again positions itself as one of the favourite destinations for international tourism in summer 2024

News - 2024.4.29

Turespaña publishes the Summer Trends Reports of the 25 main markets of tourism to Spain with data and analysis that anticipate tourism trends.

The Ministry of Industry, through Turespaña, has made the Summer Trends Reports public. The reports are prepared by the network of tourism councils located in different countries around the world.

This is a set of 25 reports with analyses and conclusions on the main economic indicators, political and social factors, recent developments in tourism demand and forward-looking indicators for each market that anticipate trends for the summer of 2024. These reports are a very useful tool for the sector to assess the volume of tourism activity in the coming months and to better manage its capacities.

In the opinion of the Minister for Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, the trends for the summer "make us optimistic, without being complacent". "After an extraordinary winter season, which is not a low season, we hope to complete a second half of the year that equals or even exceeds that of 2023," the minister said.

Overall, Spain continues to stand out as one of the favourite tourist destinations for the summer months of 2024 for most of the markets analysed. Moreover, in terms of the main markets included in the report (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and the USA), Spain is clearly ahead of its most direct competitors.

In the case of the United Kingdom - our main tourist market - the air capacities programmed for the summer months show growth rates of more than 8% compared to the summer of 2023.

With regard to France, Spain is once again confirmed as the number one holiday destination for the French after their own country. According to the indicators contained in the report drawn up by Turespaña for France, the summer season will be very positive in terms of French tourist arrivals.

Despite Germany's weak economic position, projections indicate that its nationals will continue to travel in summer and that Spain will be among the preferred countries to spend their holidays.

Spain also continues to have the highest rates of consideration and intention to travel for Italian tourists, another of our country's key markets. Air capacities between Italy and Spain scheduled for the summer season have increased 13.8% over last year, offering varied connections with values above those of its competitors, which it also surpasses in flight searches through Skyscanner or Google.

The report points out that in the case of the USA - a highly profitable long-haul market that has experienced an extraordinary boom in 2023 and so far in 2024 - the seat forecast and direct flight frequency data to our country will experience increases of more than 16% for this summer.

Finally, China shows a progressive recovery in its tourism sector, given the continued increase in air capacity, the rise in visa demand and the solid performance of the market during the first two months of the year, which recorded a 19% increase in the number of travellers to Spain compared to 2019. Expectations for the 2024 summer season for this market indicate a remarkable 49.8% increase in air capacities between Spain and China, marking the most significant growth among competitors.

Arrivals and spending forecasts for May

As May is about to begin, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism is bringing forwards the forecast for international tourist arrivals and tourist spending, according to forecasts drawn up by Turespaña.

All indications are that May will once again be a month of exceptional performance and that it will follow the path traced by the first months of 2024. The forecast indicates that 9.49 million international tourists will arrive in our country this month, 14% more than in the same month of 2023. In addition, with regard to spending, the estimate calculates that these tourists will spend almost 12 billion euros this month, which compared to May last year would mean an increase of around 22%.

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Best places to visit in spain.

Spain's dynamic metropolises, breathtaking beaches and cultural offerings are second to none, making the country an undisputed stop on many travelers' European vacation itineraries. With so many varied destinations, each with its own celebrated sites and unique hidden gems, it may be hard deciding which cities are worth visiting. U.S. News factored in sights, culture, seasonality and expert opinion to come up with the best places to visit in Spain for all types of travelers – from city slickers to beach bums to outdoorsy types. Have an opinion? Vote below to influence next year's ranking.

Santiago de Compostela

Costa brava, san sebastian, canary islands.

In addition to being one of Europe's top travel destinations , Barcelona is without a doubt Spain's cultural capital. The Catalonian city's urban sprawl is dotted with Antoni Gaudí's whimsical architecture, including Basílica de la Sagrada Família and Park Güell, as well as museums carrying world-renowned artists, such as the Picasso Museum. You can also explore centuries-old neighborhoods like Barri Gòtic, which dates back to the Roman Empire. Don't forget to take advantage of the city's equally magnificent outdoor offerings, too, including La Barceloneta beach.

The final stop on an ancient pilgrimage route called Camino de Santiago (or Saint James' Way), this medieval city in northwestern Spain attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers every year. With centuries-old architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Santiago de Compostela is an ideal destination for history buffs and culture hounds. First up on your to-do list should be a tour of the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a massive Romanesque structure said to house the remains of Saint James the apostle. Then, take advantage of the city's number of beautiful parks, museums, restaurants and nightlife.

You won't want to skip this romantic Spanish city about 55 miles northwest of Madrid on your next trip to Spain. See for yourself what makes Segovia special while you stroll through the enchanting Plaza Mayor, home to a mix of restaurants and shops, or soar high above the city on a hot air balloon ride. Can't-miss sights include the two-tiered Aqueduct of Segovia, one of the world's best-preserved Roman aqueducts, and Alcázar De Segovia, a massive, fairy-tale fortress dating back to the 12th century.

Stretching from the idyllic resort town of Blanes all the way to the French border, this coastal region in northeastern Spain offers miles of shoreline along the Mediterranean Sea. After spending the day with your toes in the sand at one of Costa Brava's gorgeous cove beaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the region's many seaside restaurants. But Costa Brava is not just for beach bums. Whether you're touring the unique Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres or exploring the Santa Clotilde Gardens in Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava is a can't-miss destination on any Spain itinerary.

The UNESCO-listed historic center of Cordoba is the stuff of Spanish dreams. Its winding, compact cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed inns, shops, restaurants and homes that feature stunning Andalusian accents, including wrought-iron balconies, bright blue planters and painted archways. Visitors can also enjoy all of the city's famous historical sites, such as the Castle of the Christian Monarchs and the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, commonly referred to as the Great Mosque, which is one of the best-preserved structures in Spain.

Mallorca's smaller sister island is a solid option for travelers wanting to visit the Balearic Islands without the crowds of Ibiza and Mallorca. Menorca offers the same kind of jaw-dropping beaches (think: white sands overlooking clear turquoise waters) you'd expect to find on other Balearic Islands – travelers say Cala Mitjana, Cala Macarelleta, Cala Turqueta and Cala Pregonda are some of the island’s most popular shorelines. You'll also discover several architectural marvels throughout Menorca. Head to Ciutadella (the island's original capital) to see old-world structures like the Catedral de Menorca and the Convent of Sant Agusti, which houses the Diocesan Museum.

Travelers who want to experience small-town Spain without venturing far from a big city will love visiting Toledo. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, which sits 45 miles southwest of Madrid, is breathtaking thanks to its location on a hilltop overlooking the Tagus River and its historical architecture. For the best views, visit Mirador del Valle, a scenic overlook boasting breathtaking panoramic vistas. Then, get a sense of Toledo's rich history by checking out attractions like Catedral Primada and San Juan de los Reyes Monasterio. Don't forget to try some of the city's famous marzipan before you leave.

Of all the cities in Spain, Madrid is the one that knows how to show travelers the best time. The city's party-hard reputation is really all it's cracked up to be, but that's not all Spain's capital has going for it. Madrid is filled with varied, vibrant neighborhoods, plus stunning parks, enviable shopping and some of the best art institutions in Europe, including the world-renowned Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Not to mention, the city’s grandiose architecture – showcased by structures like the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor – makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

Mallorca is easily one of Spain's greatest assets. This dreamy island getaway features sun-kissed beaches, picturesque small towns and outdoor pursuits that draw tourists and lovebirds in droves. Revel in the see-through blue waters of Playa de Muro and Cala Llombards, then hop in a car and drive around the striking mountains that make up Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure you spend your downtime taking leisurely strolls along the darling streets of Alcúdia's old town and by the water to admire the awe-inspiring Palma Cathedral (La Seu).

This beautiful Andalusian city in southern Spain is awash with romantic allure. During the day, you'll find outdoor cafes along cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages meandering through pastel-colored plazas. And when night falls, flamenco dancing comes out in full force. Seville is the kind of place you should allow yourself to get lost in, but don’t forget to carve out time for must-see sites such as the Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar and the Catedral de Sevilla, the largest Gothic cathedral of its kind in the world.

Situated along Spain’s northern coast in Basque Country, San Sebastian is one of the most underrated destinations in Spain. Locals understand its majesty and every summer flock to this beach destination for its breathtaking shorelines, hiker-friendly mountains and unmatched foodie scene. For a quintessentially Basque experience, travelers suggest pintxo bar hopping in San Sebastian’s city center, Parte Vieja, or signing up for a pintxos (Basque tapas) food tour. Don’t leave without taste testing San Sebastian’s world-famous anchovies and txuleta, a specialty steak that is made from aged grass-fed beef.

Granada's Arabic influence makes this destination different from the rest of Spain. Thanks to its history as part of the Moorish Empire, Granada is home to tapas bars and flamenco venues that rub elbows with Moroccan tea cafes and Arab bathhouses. This confluence allows you to experience two cultures simultaneously. And you must make time to behold the breathtaking local treasures, including the Alhambra, the white-washed caves of the Sacromonte district and the snow-capped mountains of Sierra Nevada National Park.

A popular daytrip destination for travelers visiting Barcelona, Girona stands out for its medieval architecture and wealth of attractions. From the magnificent Girona Cathedral to the city's famous 12th century Arab baths, travelers are sure to find something to suit their interests in this Spanish city. Spend some time in La Devesa Park, one of the largest green spaces in Catalonia. Don't forget to pack your walking shoes – whether you're exploring the winding, cobblestone streets of Girona's Jewish Quarter or strolling the Passeig de la Muralla path atop Girona's ancient city walls, the best way to enjoy this historic city is on foot.

Rioja is Spain's wine country. Like France's Champagne, winemakers can't label a wine "Rioja" unless it is produced and distributed from the Spanish region of La Rioja. As such, you'll want to sample plenty of vino while you visit, which will be pretty easy to do since there are more than 500 wineries plus many restaurants that serve large selections of Rioja wine. If you're looking for other things to do, take advantage of Rioja's Michelin-starred restaurants and lively tapas bars when you're not hiking or skiing its surrounding mountains.

This northern city in Spain’s Basque Country sits in the middle of a beautiful valley, affording incredible views of the city and its rolling hills. Visit Casco Viejo (the city's old town) for authentic pintxos and to explore Parque Etxebarria, where you'll find some of Bilbao's best vistas. Or, ride the Funicular de Artxanda for even more spectacular panoramas. No visit would be complete without checking out the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and other local cultural institutions, such as the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao.

Plan a trip to this small Andalusian town if you enjoy visiting destinations with unique geography and stunning architecture. Ronda sits atop a striking gorge that separates the town. To cross the gorge, walk across the Puente Nuevo, a beautiful bridge built in the 18th century. Below, you'll get an eyeful of El Tajo canyon and the Guadalevín River. After admiring your surroundings from the Puente Nuevo, visit the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the historic old town and the Baños Árabes, well-preserved 13th- and 14th-century Arab baths.

Spain’s third-largest city stands out for offering a little taste of both the old and the new. You'll get to experience classic architecture at the Gothic-style Valencia Cathedral and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, as well as modern sites like the City of Arts and Sciences and the Valencia Institute of Modern Art. After you've gotten your fill of city life, take a detour to breathe in some fresh air at the Albufera Natural Park or unwind at nearby beaches. What's more, with plenty of free attractions to choose from, Valencia is one of Europe's most affordable travel destinations . 

If you live to party, Ibiza is a great place to dust off your dancing shoes. This Spanish island is known worldwide for its nightlife scene, so much so that people often say you must visit during the peak summer months. However, one look at Ibiza's natural offerings and you'll understand how this island stands on its own outside of its party-hardy reputation. Beaches here are so clear that you can see your feet touch the sand as they enter the ocean. Plus, the historical charm found in Dalt Vila, Ibiza's old town, will certainly stop you in your tracks.

This cluster of Spanish islands located off the northwestern coast of Africa is one of Spain's premier beach destinations. In addition to picturesque shorelines, the Canary Islands are also teeming with outdoor attractions that will make any adventurer swoon, including four national parks. In between hiking and relaxing on the beach, take some time to stroll the neighborhoods of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located on the largest of the Canary Islands, or Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the archipelago's most populated city, to get a taste of local life.

Situated in southwestern Spain, Cádiz is one of the country's most underrated travel destinations. As one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, travelers can expect a bevy of historic attractions, from the Torre Tavira watchtower to the grandiose Cádiz Cathedral. Plus, there are several beautiful outdoor spaces to explore, including Genovés Park and the laid-back beaches of La Victoria and La Caleta. When you want to wind down, Plaza de España and Plaza de San Juan de Dios are excellent places to people-watch.

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‘Go home’: Too much tourism sparks backlash in Spain

MADRID - Anti-tourism movements are multiplying in Spain, the world’s second-most visited country, prompting the authorities to try and reconcile the interests of locals and the lucrative sector.

Rallying under the slogan “The Canaries have a limit”, a collective of groups on the archipelago off north-west Africa are planning a slew of protests on April 20.

The Canaries are known for volcanic landscapes and year-round sunshine, and attract millions of visitors from all over the world.

Groups there want the authorities to halt work on two new hotels on Tenerife, the largest and most developed of the archipelago’s seven islands.

They are also demanding that locals be given a greater say in the face of what they consider uncontrolled development which is harming the environment.

Several members of the collective Canaries Sold Out began an “indefinite” hunger strike last week to put pressure on the authorities. “Our islands are a treasure that must be defended,” the collective said.

The Canaries received 16 million visitors in 2023, more than seven times its population of around 2.2 million people.

This is an unsustainable level given the archipelago’s limited resources, Mr Victor Martin, a spokesman for the collective, told a recent press briefing, calling it a “suicidal growth model”.

‘Social revulsion’

Similar anti-tourism movements have sprung up elsewhere in Spain and are active on social media.

In the southern port of Malaga on the Costa del Sol, a centre of Spain’s decades-old “soy y playa” or “sun and beach” tourism model, stickers with unfriendly slogans such as “This used to be my home” and “Go home” have appeared on the walls and doors of tourist lodgings.

In Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, activists have put up fake signs at the entrances to some popular beaches warning in English of the risk of “falling rocks” or “dangerous jellyfish”.

Locals complain a rise in accommodation listings on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have worsened a housing shortage and caused rents to soar, especially in town centres. The influx of tourists also adds to noise and environmental pollution and taxes resources such as water, they add.

In the north-eastern region of Catalonia, which declared a drought emergency in February, anger is growing over the pressure exerted on depleted water reserves by hotels on the Costa Brava.

“Our concern is to continue to grow tourism in Spain so that it is sustainable and does not generate social revulsion,” vice-president Jose Luis Zoreda of tourism association Exceltur said on April 16 when asked about the protests.

The group said it expects Spain’s tourism sector will post record revenues of €202.65 billion (S$290 billion) in 2024.

Loudspeaker ban

Before Covid-19 brought the global travel industry to its knees in 2020, protest movements against overtourism had already emerged in Spain, especially in Barcelona.

Now that pandemic travel curbs have been lifted, tourism is back with a vengeance – Spain welcomed a record 85.1 million foreign visitors in 2023.

In response, several cities have acted to try to limit overcrowding.

The northern seaside city of San Sebastian in March 2023 limited the size of tourist groups in the centre to 25 people and banned the use of loudspeakers on guided tours.

The southern city of Seville is mulling over charging non-residents a fee to enter its landmark Plaza de Espana, while Barcelona removed from Google Maps a bus route popular with tourists to try to make more room for locals.

Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez said over the weekend that “action needs to be taken to limit the number of tourist flats” but also stressed that the government is “aware of the importance of the tourist sector”, which accounts for 12.8 per cent of Spain’s economic activity. AFP

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Tourism | 4/29/2024

Spain once again positions itself as one of the favourite destinations for international tourists for the summer of 2024

Tourism | 4/18/2024

Spain welcomes almost 20 million international air passengers in the first quarter, 16% more than in 2023

Tourism | 4/17/2024

Employment in the tourism sector increased by 6.1% in March compared to the same month in 2023, surpassing 2.7 million contributors.

Tourism | 4/16/2024

The Filloa Festival of Lestedo (A Coruña) has been declared a National Tourist Interest Festival.

• On the survey of the european commission for a more sustainable tourism, digital and resilient Keep reading

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• The free courses Host tourism launch new programming Keep reading
• Open the regular edition 2021 of Tourist Destinations in Sustainability Keep reading

Spain's official tourism website

• SPAIN NEWS 2024

News, Content, and Anniversaries

The Spanish Tourist Office has announced key news for 2024 and the end of 2023. 

• Click here for a word text document containing the same information. 
• High-res images are available here . 

2023 VISITOR NUMBERS TO SPAIN

From January up until the end of September 2023, Spain received 66.5 million international arrivals, up 18.8% year-on-year, and 0.6% below pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The main inbound tourism markets were the United Kingdom, representing around 13.8 million arrivals, France with almost 9.4 million arrivals and Germany, with almost 8.5 million arrivals.

By Autonomous Communities (or regions), from January to September (inclusive), Cataluña received the most international visitors with almost 14.2 million arrivals, followed by the Balearic Islands.

SPANISH HIGH-SPEED TRAINS HIT RECORD 8.32 MILLION PASSENGERS IN Q2 2023

The Spanish high-speed train network set a new passenger record in the second quarter of 2023, carrying 8.32 million passengers, a 33% increase from the previous year. This record encompasses all routes with multiple operators (Renfe, Avlo, Ouigo, and Iryo) offering competitive pricing and services. Notably, Avant (High-Speed Mid-Distance) services, exclusively operated by Renfe, carried an additional 3.3 million passengers, a 57% increase. Highlights of passenger growth in Q2 2023 include:

• Madrid-Seville: Over one million passengers, a 30.3% increase.
• Madrid-Malaga/Granada: Approximately one million passengers, a 25.8% year-on-year rise.
• Madrid-Alicante: Over 750,000 passengers, a 32.1% increase.
• Madrid-Valencia: An impressive 86% growth, with 1.3 million passengers.
• Madrid-Barcelona: 3.6 million passengers, a 36% increase from the same quarter in 2022.

The growth of high-speed rail travel in Spain continues to provide sustainable and cost-effective transportation options.

VALENCIA: EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2024  

Valencia has been named the European Green Capital for 2024 by the European Commission. This prestigious award underpins the city's commitment to environmental sustainability and its ongoing efforts to address the challenges of climate change. 

Valencia has long been committed to a more sustainable future with pioneering measurement of the city’s tourism impact. In October 2023, it was announced that the city was one of the first to receive the Mission Label from the European Union for its commitment to decarbonisation, acknowledging the pledge to reduce CO 2 emissions by 80% and achieving climate neutrality by 2030. This ambitious commitment is a culmination of the city's various green initiatives, which have been recognised at both local and international levels, also earning the titles of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2022 and the Capital of Sustainable Food in 2017.  

To be recognised as European Green Capital, the city had to pass an extensive sustainability test measuring air, noise, waste, water, nature and biodiversity, land use, eco-innovation, climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, mobility, energy efficiency and governance.

During the Green Capital Year, Valencia will unveil a dedicated activity programme to highlight the city’s green efforts, including major international events and other smaller city activities to involve both residents and visitors.  Learn more here

2024: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE ANNIVERSARIES

The oldest five World Heritage Sites in Spain are approaching their 40 th anniversary, having been designated in 1984. These include:

• Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
• Burgos Cathedral
• Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid
• The Historic Centre of Córdoba
• Works of Antoni Gaudí  

2024 will also mark 40 years of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve located on the Bay of Biscay coast in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. The park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984 and is one of the most richly diverse natural landscapes in the Basque Country.

2024 will also mark the 25 th UNESCO World Heritage anniversary of the old quarter of Ibiza Town. This accolade recognises Ibiza’s cultural and architectural value. Some of the island’s treasures include one of the best-preserved Renaissance coastal fortresses in the Mediterranean, the old town acropolis of Dalt Vila (meaning 'high wall') with its sprawling network of ancient streets and squares, and the Phoenician remains of Sa Caleta and its Carthaginian tombs, where Punic settlers traded over 2,500 years ago.

THE PREHISTORIC SITES OF TALAYOTIC MENORCA BRING SPAIN’S UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE COUNT TO 50

In September 2023, the prehistoric sites of Talayotic Menorca were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, bringing the total number of sites in Spain to 50.

The addition of the prehistoric sites of Talayotic Menorca is a testament to the island’s prehistoric culture and heritage. Situated in agro-pastoral landscapes, the sites display an incredible diversity of ancient settlements and burials. The constructions are unique to Menorca and include funerary naves, circular houses, and monuments such as  taulas  and  talayots  which UNESCO consider to be exceptional examples of Cyclopean architecture’s evolution over fifteen hundred years.

FINALISTS OF SPAIN’S 2024 CITY OF GASTRONOMY REVEALED

The four finalist cities for Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy (CEG) have been announced and include Alicante, Antequera, Castellón and Oviedo. The prestigious award, decided jointly by travel journalists and the Hospitality Association of Spain, was awarded to Cuenca, Castilla–La Mancha in 2023.

For 2024, the competition is more competitive than ever:

• Alicante, Valencia , has over 1,700 registered gastronomic establishments and two local brands promoting the city’s gastronomy: Alicante, city of rice, and Alicante gourmet.
• Antequera, Andalucia , has a long history of culinary excellence, with the region famous for its delicious pastries. Local olive oil is the secret ingredient for much of the city’s gastronomy, used in dishes such as deep-fried partridge, rabbit stew and seasonal salads.
• Castellón, Valencia , is a seafood paradise with an abundance of simple fresh dishes such as giant prawns and steamed mussels. The coastal city is famous for delicious seafood paella.
• Ovideo, Asturias, is a finalist for Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy for the third time, with its main offering consisting of a range of mouth-watering fabada (bean stew), cider, cachopo (veal), cheeses and seafood.

The city awarded Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy will hold gastronomic festivities throughout the year.

SEVEN NEW VÍAS VERDES BUILT IN 2023

In Spain, there are more than 3,300 kilometres of disused railway infrastructure that have been converted into cycle and hiking routes within the framework of the Greenways Programme, coordinated by the Spanish Railways Foundation. They are known as Vías Verdes – Green Ways. 

In 2023 seven new greenways were added to the network. These include:

• Benidorm Greenway, Valencia
• Chicharra Greenway (Cieza section), Murcia
• Cieza Flowering Greenway, Murcia
• Iron Road, Castile and León
• Tharsis Odiel Greenway, Andalucía
• Vigo-Redondela Greenway (Chapela section), Galicia
• Vigo-Redondela Greenway (Urzáiz-Teis section), Galicia

2024: 100 YEARS OF THE MODERN BARCELONA METRO

In 2024, the Spanish city of Barcelona will mark the anniversary of the full opening of its Metro train system (Metro de Barcelona).

This innovative system, first opened in 1863 and inspired by the London Underground, was expanded to its current state in 1924 to include additional lines. In total, there are now 12 lines, connecting both residential and commercial parts of the city (Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia has its own stop).

The Barcelona Metro has 189 Metro stations across the city and a tram line also operating above ground (which began operations in the 1870s, pulled by horse). Learn more here

2024: A JUBILEE YEAR FOR CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ, MURCIA

Every seven years since 2003, the holy city of Caravaca de la Cruz, located in the region of Murcia, celebrates a Jubilee Year which attracts thousands of pilgrims to the city seeking plenary indulgence. The last Jubilee year in 2017 saw roughly 500,000 pilgrims and travellers gathering in Caravaca with many more expected in 2024. The city is the fifth holy city given this distinction by the Pope, alongside Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, and Santo Toribio de Liébana. Learn more here

ANDALUCIA FLAMENCO MUSEUM TO OPEN IN JEREZ

In 2024, Jerez de la Frontera is set to unveil the highly anticipated Andalucia Flamenco Museum.  Recognised as one of the primary strongholds of Flamenco, Jerez's cultural identity is intricately intertwined with the art of Flamenco, wine, and horses.

Hailed as a "first-class" cultural institution by the regional government, the museum will spotlight the city’s rich Flamenco heritage, focusing on its preservation, documentation, and promotion of its extraordinary historical and heritage value that symbolises Andalucia's identity worldwide.

Flamenco, as an art form, has been acknowledged by UNESCO since November 2010. Learn more here.

BARCELONA TO HOST 37TH AMERICA’S CUP IN 2024

America’s Cup, the most important regatta in the world, will take place in Barcelona between August and October 2024. It is the 3rd sport competition with the highest economic impact on the host country, after the Olympic Games and the World Cup. Barcelona will become the first and only venue in the world to host the three main sport events: the World Cup in 1982, the Olympic Games in 1992, and the America's Cup in 2024.

For the first time, there will be a Women's America's Cup and Youth America's Cup. It will be sailed during the final stages of the Challenger Selection Series and the opening of America’s Cup Match itself. Spectators will be able to follow the competition for free from the Port of Barcelona.

SPAIN ANNOUNCES NEW CAMPAIGN PROMOTING THE COUNTRY AS A TAX-FREE SHOPPING DESTINATION FOR BRITISH TRAVELLERS

On Monday 06 November 2023, Turespaña launched a new advertising campaign aimed at British young people, families, couples, and seniors to promote Spain as the perfect shopping destination. The campaign reminds UK residents that, since the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, they can recover VAT on their purchases in Spain.

In 2022, UK visitors to Spain accounted for 17,000 billion euros of total expenditure, representing 19.7% of the total international tourism expenditure made in the country last year. Tax-free purchases form an important part of this figure: British travellers in Spain spent over 715 million euros on tax-free purchases in 2022, and up until September 2023 tax-free spending already reached 646 million euros. 

For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit  www.spain.info   @Spain_inUK  / Spain on  Facebook  or email  [email protected]

If you’d like to be featured on Spain's newsroom, please share you articles with  [email protected]  using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.

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• Newsroom Spain

The pain in Spain: Where are Brits not so welcome this summer?

• Thursday 25 April 2024 at 12:14pm

Tourists are facing a backlash from residents in Tenerife as islanders say they are struggling to cope with the influx of visitors, ITV News Europe Editor James Mates reports

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for British tourists, but the country is feeling the backlash of the cheap flights and sunny climes as large numbers of visitors are causing big problems.

A number of provinces have taken matters into their own hands and are providing guidance - and in some case strict rules - for tourists visiting over the summer, as they try and tackle overcrowding and the problems that come with it.

Tourism represents nearly 12% of Spain’s economy but there has been growing pressure from locals for governments to put measures in place to reduce the number of visitors.

So which parts of Spain might not be so keen for Brits to descend this summer?

Canary Islands

Protestors in Tenerife started a hunger strike on April 12 as part of a wider campaign demanding the Canary Islands government tackle the effects of excess tourism in the region.

Hundreds of people linked arms to form a human chain to demonstrate against the building of an additional hotel and beach resort, as well as future projects aimed at attracting more tourists. The hunger strike was still underway on Wednesday at the time of writing.

The wider movement is called Canarias Se Agota, which means 'The Canaries Have Had Enough'.

In an Instagram post the organisation said the Canary Islands are "exhausted" because of the "excessive tourism" and the "lack of attention to the basic needs of the population".

Last year the then-mayor of Barcelona described tourism as a "great challenge" for the city, and suggested there needed to be a way to limit the number of people pouring in during holiday season.

Ada Colau limited the number of hotel beds in the city during her tenure, highlighting that the city needs homes so there is space for residents to live in the busy centre.

Her successor, Jaume Collboni, banned cruise ships from docking at the Muelle Barcelona Norte and the World Trade Centre docks, a mile away from the Gothic quarter, in October.

Now cruises must dock at the Moll d’Adossat pier, which is a 30-minute bus ride from the historic centre.

Meanwhile one neighbourhood went as far as to get a local bus route removed from Google and Apple Maps to discourage tourists from using it as it was often too busy for residents to fit onboard.

“We laughed at the idea at first,” a local activist, César Sánchez, told the Guardian. “But we’re amazed that the measure has been so effective.”

Wider Catalonia region

Barcelona is the largest city in the Catalonia region, but authorities for the entire area are considering imposing water restrictions on tourists if domestic consumption does not decrease.

The Catalan government is considering a restriction of 100 litres of water per day per tourist for hotels for three months as it looks to tackle drought in the area.

According to Barcelona’s hotel guild, the average tourist to Barcelona in 2022 used some 163 litres per day, while the figure rose to over 240 litres for luxury hotels.

The limits for tourists would not include the water used to fill swimming pools.

Majorca has introduced a series of new rules over the last couple of years that aren't explicitly preventing tourists from enjoying the island, but do seek to weed out "drunken tourism".

A number of restaurants banned shirtless, costumed or football-shirt-wearing travellers, according to Juan Miguel Ferrer, the chief executive of Palma Beach.

Swimwear, trunks and novelty accessories bought from roadside vendors - such as gold chains - are also said to be banned.

"Since May 10, we’ve been suffering the arrival of large groups of tourists who are only looking to get drunk in the streets, or on the seafront or even on the beach,” Mr Ferrer said in 2022.

“You’re not going to come here in beach clothes or come straight from drinking in the streets."

Alicante introduced new noise-related restrictions in 2023 in response to influxes of tourists causing disruption for locals.

Rules had originally been put in place in 2019, but they were strengthened last year. The array of noises encompassed by the regulations include open air concerts, use of musical instruments on beaches, and shouting.

The local city council warned of hefty fines for anybody flouting the rules.

Money matters and passport pains

Post-Brexit, Brits are subject to the 'third states' rules Spain imposes on visitors from outside the European Union.

A traveller visiting Spain must "present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay", or at least the ability to legally obtain that money, according to the Spanish foreign ministry.

In 2023, the minimum amount required was $120 (£97) per person per day, and the traveller had to have at least $1100 (£885) or its equivalent in foreign currency regardless of the length of the stay.

Travellers can show they have enough money by presenting cash, travellers' cheques, a credit card with a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book or similar. The ministry states that bank letters or online bank statements are not accepted.

Brits flying abroad are also being warned about post-Brexit passport rules , which have landed travellers with hefty fines.

Some families are finding themselves thousands of pounds out of pocket when they have been banned from boarding flights due to the rule changes.

When the UK was a member of the EU, British passports remained valid up to and including their expiry date for travel to other EU countries, but now passports need to be valid for valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting.

More details of the post-Brexit rules on passports can be found on the ITV News website .

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…

Tourists told to 'go home' as protesters claim Spanish hotspot has become 'unliveable'

Expat in Spain shares the worst thing about moving to the European country

By Holly Bishop

Published: 05/05/2024

Updated: 05/05/2024

Residents say they are being outpriced out of their neighbourhoods by expats who earn more money

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Holidaymakers in Malaga have been told to “home” by anti-tourist protesters, who claim it has become “unliveable”.

Locals say they are being forced out of their own neighbourhoods as properties are being converted to accommodation for visitors and are now demanding the end of the “touristification” of the popular holiday hotspot.

Protesters are planning to walk down the streets of Costa Del Sol on June 29 with the slogan: “For decent housing and against the processes of touristification and precariousness of life.”

After the pandemic, many remote workers have been moving to Spain for a cheaper and sunnier life. This, coupled with expats often earning more than the locals, has resulted in many residents feeling like they are being pushed out.

Tourists told to 'go home' as protesters claim hotspot has become 'unliveable'

Dani Drunko, a bar owner in Malaga who was kicked out of his home to make room for holidaymakers, said: “Malaga city centre has been going downhill for a long time.

“If something in my bar breaks, I don't have a hardware store to buy anything [because] the tourists don't need to buy screws.”

A local politician took to social media to vent: “You walk the streets of Málaga and it is practically impossible to find a residential building that does not have a lockbox [for tourist rentals].”

Vexed locals have started putting up stickers with angry messages on buildings around the town centre, with some reading “stinks of tourists”, “go f***ing home” and “this was my home”.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• 'The Canaries have a limit!' Thousands protest in Tenerife in rage over mass tourism
• Canary Islands plead Britons to visit amid fears of mass holiday cancellations after anti-tourist protests
• Britons in Spain warned about holidaying in Canary Islands as anti-tourist protest date looms

Locals say they are being forced out of their own neighbourhoods as properties are being converted to accommodation for visitors

It comes after tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Tenerife to protest last month in a demonstration against mass tourism - which they say is “killing the Canary Island.”

Around 50,000 people assembled in Tenerife's capital Santa Cruz to march under the banner "Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries have a limit)", with demonstrators chanting against the effects of the island's tourist industry, such as the pricing-out of residents and damage to the environment.

The protests have been backed by a range of environmental campaign groups including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth; as well as the Canary Islands, Spaniards have also protested in Madrid, and are set to rally in London, in an attempt to raise awareness in the Spanish government and among prospective British tourists.

The Canary Islands are now urging British people not to cancel their holidays despite the protest , with regional tourism chief Jessica de León insisting that tourists are still welcome on the Islands.

“It is still safe to visit the Canary Islands, and we are delighted to welcome you,” she told The Telegraph.

She added that she understood the frustration, but it was “unfair to blame tourism”.

Fernando Clavijo, the Canary Islands president, echoed León saying that some activists “smack of tourist-phobia”.

“People who come here to visit and spend their money must not be criticised or insulted. We are playing with our main source of income,” Clavijo said.

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