Overview
- Spain’s statistics office reported Monday that 46.6 million international tourists visited in January–June 2026, a 4.6% increase over 2025, and those visitors spent €63.8 billion, up 7%.
- June alone brought 9.7 million arrivals, a 2.9% rise, and €13.579 billion in spending, a 4% increase versus last June according to INE monthly data.
- Regional results diverged sharply with the Community of Madrid surpassing €10.0 billion in H1 spending and logging a record June (884,881 foreign visitors and €1,860.65 million spent), while Catalonia, the Balearics and Andalusia also led receipts and Valencia and Galicia showed mixed patterns in daily spend and length of stay.
- Industry groups and hotel chains say the faster growth in spending than arrivals reflects longer stays, higher per‑trip outlays and stronger demand from the United States, which is offsetting weaker flows from some European markets.
- The rise in receipts eases short‑term pressure on businesses but raises concerns about service strain in cities, the growth of non‑hotel accommodation and climate risks to peak‑season comfort, making occupancy patterns and policy on tourist housing key things to watch this season.