Spain Welcomes Record 218 Million International Tourists Amidst Growing Antitourism Sentiments
Spain has reported a record-breaking 218 million international visitors this summer, a remarkable 73% increase compared to 2023, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). This impressive figure makes Spain the second most popular tourist destination in the world, following France. The month of July alone saw over 109 million visitors, with an equal number arriving in August.
Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu heralded this surge in visitors as a success, emphasizing its positive impact on the well-being, social cohesion, and economic development of Spain. He made these remarks at an event organized by Turespaña, the country's tourism promotion agency, held in Tenerife. However, Hereu acknowledged that Spain must consider transforming its tourism model to address some pressing challenges.
Despite the economic benefits, the rising influx of tourists has not been well-received by all residents, leading to a series of protests in cities like Barcelona, Málaga, and the tourist-heavy Canary and Balearic Islands. Protesters have expressed concerns regarding pressure on local infrastructure and surging rental prices, attributing these issues to a significant number of properties being rented out to tourists at premium rates. In response to local sentiments, Barcelona's mayor announced a plan to put an end to apartment rentals for tourists by 2029.
Among the summer visitors, British tourists topped the list with 4.17 million arrivals, followed closely by 3.75 million from France, 2.49 million from Germany, and 1.35 million from Italy. The United States also saw a notable 13% increase in tourist numbers, contributing 850,000 visitors.
In total, Spain welcomed 64.8 million tourists during the first eight months of this year, setting yet another record. The most popular regions for tourists included Catalonia, which encompasses Barcelona, as well as the Canary and Balearic Islands.
Tourism revenue also saw a significant boost, climbing by 17.6% to reach €86.7 billion, which amounts to an average expenditure of €187 per tourist per day.
Looking forward, the tourism advocacy group Exceltur predicts that Spain is set to welcome over 90 million tourists throughout 2024, showcasing both the resilience and popularity of Spain as a global travel destination. As Spain navigates the fine balance between tourism-driven growth and local concerns, the upcoming strategies for sustainable tourism will be crucial in shaping the future landscape.
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