July 2023. Spain was visited by an impressive 10.1 million foreign tourists, surpassing the previous record high of July 2019, i.e. before the COVID-19 pandemic. Time has shown that interest in Spain, as well as its coastal regions – led by Andalusia – is not waning.
Spain’s tourism boom
We are getting closer to reaching or even exceeding 2019 tourism levels. The latest figures show that in July 2023. Spain was visited by more than 10.1 million tourists from outside the country, compared to 9.9 million in 2019. After three years of travel restrictions – resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic – Europeans are once again keen to explore the world, and for many Spain is still an attractive destination.
It is worth noting that it is still from the UK that the largest number of tourists visiting Spain comes. However, the number of British tourists was slightly lower, reaching 94% of 2019 levels. The exchange rate of the pound may have led some Brits to consider other destinations, such as Turkey. German tourist numbers, on the other hand, are still well below 2019 levels, but an increase in visitors from other countries has helped to make up the difference.
Andalusia in the TOP3 of Spanish destinations
Andalusia welcomed a total of 1,347,864 tourists in July 2023, 20.1% more than in the same period of 2022 and also above the 2019 figures. According to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), the number of tourists at that time was 1,256,656. Andalusia was therefore the third main tourist destination in July (13.3% of the total) after the Balearic Islands (24.1%) and Catalonia (22.9%). In terms of the country of origin of tourists, it was mainly the UK (22.5% of the total), followed by the Nordic countries (12.4%).
In 2022. Spain was visited by a staggering 71.7 million foreign visitors, down 14% on the results achieved in 2019. Nevertheless, the 2023 figures indicate that Spain is back on track, aiming to match the record results and attract at least the same number of tourists as four years earlier. The tourism sector plays a significant role in the Spanish economy, contributing positively to the country’s overall development, as well as having a huge impact on the Spanish property market.
The increase in the number of foreign tourists leads to increased consumption, including accommodation, transport, the catering industry or shopping. In turn, this translates into an increased demand for new jobs. As a result of the increasing number of tourists visiting Spain, the economy is forecast to grow at a rate of 0.3% quarter-on-quarter, particularly in the third quarter of this year. Spain remains one of the leading players in the European market and the significant growth in tourism is helping to maintain its position.
Tourism drives the economy
More than 47 million tourists who arrived in Spain by July 2023 will have spent almost €60 billion in the country, an increase of 25.3% compared to the same period of 2022. If we compare these cumulative figures with those of 2019, tourist spending has increased by 14.7%. As for Andalusia alone, tourists visiting this region of southern Spain spent €1.87 billion, an increase of 26.2% year-on-year – surpassing even the 2019 figure of €1.4 billion.
Naturally, the increase in spending is also linked to the prevailing inflation around the world, from which Spain, too, has not necessarily escaped. This one, fortunately, as predicted by experts, remains low and is on a downward trend. Spanish consumer inflation (CPI) was still at 5.9 per cent in January, while in October it was already 3.5 per cent, lower than forecast.
Spain continues to attract visitors from all over the world with its charm. The positive dynamics of tourism are a sign that Spain remains one of the most visited destinations on the European map. We recommend you check it out for yourself!
