Spain Tourism Leads Europe in High-Value Tourism Growth

Priyal Dutta2 months Ago1 Mins read220

Spain Leads Europe in High-Value Tourism Growth

Spain is expected to receive 96.8 million international visitor arrivals during the year, with travellers spending an estimated average of US$1,344 per visitor.

Spain Tourism Continues Growth in International Visitor Spending

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has reported that global international visitor spending reached US$2.02 trillion in 2025, rising 3.2 per cent year-on-year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research, sponsored by Chase Travel, Spain generated €115.1 billion (US$130.1 billion) in international visitor spending in 2025, placing it behind only the United States and China globally.

Spain is expected to receive 96.8 million international visitor arrivals during the year, with travellers spending an estimated average of US$1,344 per visitor.

Across Europe, international visitor spending is projected at approximately US$835 billion across 782 million international arrivals, translating to an average spend of around US$1,068 per traveller.

The figures indicate that Spain continues to attract both strong visitor volumes and higher international visitor spending compared to the wider European market.

WTTC said Spain’s tourism performance has been supported by public and private sector collaboration, investment in transport connectivity and infrastructure, and efforts to improve the overall visitor experience.

International visitor spending in Spain is forecast to increase further to €121.1 billion (US$136.9 billion) in 2026, representing annual growth of 5.3 per cent.

WTTC’s research also highlighted the role of digital identity systems, biometric technology, streamlined visa processes and regional cooperation in supporting international travel demand and improving traveller movement across destinations.

Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, said international visitor spending has now exceeded pre-pandemic levels globally, while destinations investing in connectivity and traveller experience are seeing stronger economic returns from tourism.

She added that Spain continues to record a higher average international visitor spending per traveller than the European average.

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Written by

Priyal Dutta - Senior Correspondent/Editor

As Senior Correspondent and Editor at Safari India, I write about the people, businesses, and trends shaping the travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, and lifestyle industries. My work ranges from breaking news and exclusive interviews to in-depth features and industry analysis, with a focus on delivering accurate, balanced, and engaging stories. I enjoy uncovering the details behind every story and presenting them in a way that keeps readers informed and connected to an ever-evolving industry.