Spain has set a new record, welcoming 94 million foreign tourists in 2024, with the tourism sector playing a vital role in the country’s strong economic performance.
Tourism now accounts for about 13% of Spain’s economy, helping it maintain growth rates significantly above the sluggish pace seen in much of the eurozone.
“In 2024, the forecast for international tourists is around 94 million, 10 percent more than 2023. Spain therefore continues to break records,” said Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu during a press conference in Madrid.
Foreign tourists are estimated to have spent around 126 billion euros ($130 billion) in Spain last year, marking a 16% increase from 2023, according to Hereu.
However, the tourism boom has sparked concerns in major tourist hubs. Locals in cities like Barcelona and Malaga are voicing frustrations over the rising cost of living, particularly in housing, as an influx of visitors drives up rents and changes the character of neighborhoods. In response, both cities have introduced measures to curb short-term tourist rentals in an attempt to alleviate the growing dissatisfaction over escalating housing prices.
