Spain Breaks Tourism Record with 94 Million Visitors in 2024

The surge in international travelers has boosted Spain's economy but intensified concerns over housing and mass tourism impacts.

Spain welcomed a record 94 million international tourists in 2024, a 10% increase from 2023 and the highest number ever recorded for the country.
Tourism revenue reached €126 billion ($130 billion), a 16% rise compared to the previous year, contributing significantly to Spain's economic growth.
Cultural tourism and off-season travel saw notable growth, with more visitors exploring inland destinations and fewer relying solely on summer beach vacations.
The tourism boom has fueled local discontent in cities like Barcelona and Malaga, where rising housing costs and short-term rentals have led to new regulations and taxes targeting tourist accommodations.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced measures to address the housing crisis, including stricter rules for short-term rentals and a tax on property purchases by non-EU nationals living outside Spain.