Spain continues to reinforce its reputation as one of the world’s most desirable destinations. According to newly released data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the country welcomed more than 35 million foreign tourists between January and May 2025, marking a 5.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Even more striking is the economic impact: total tourist spending rose 8.1%, reaching an impressive €46.6 billion. These figures not only signal a robust post-pandemic recovery but also demonstrate Spain’s growing appeal to international travelers looking for rich cultural experiences, sunny coastlines, and world-class hospitality.

Leading Source Markets: UK, France, and Germany

Tourism growth was led by visitors from the United Kingdom, which accounted for nearly 6.8 million tourists, up 6.9% year-on-year. The French (4.6 million visitors, +3.9%) and Germans (4.5 million visitors, +1.8%) followed closely behind. Notably, British tourists also led in total expenditure, accounting for 16.9% of all international tourist spending, followed by Germany (12.5%) and France (8.1%).

Top Regional Destinations

Spain’s regional tourism patterns remain strong, with Catalonia, the Canary Islands, and Andalucía leading the pack.

• Catalonia welcomed 7.3 million tourists (+2.2%)

• Canary Islands attracted 6.8 million (+4.1%)

• Andalucía saw the biggest growth with 5.4 million tourists (+9.6%)

This sustained influx of international travelers not only supports local economies but also creates long-term opportunities in sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure.

May 2025: A Month of Milestones

May, often seen as a gateway to the summer season, brought 9.4 million visitors, marking a more modest 1.5% increase compared to May 2024. Despite the smaller percentage gain, the country still set a new monthly spending record: tourists spent more than €12.2 billion, up 4.9% from the same month last year.

Additional indicators also point to positive trends:

• Average daily spending reached €209 per person, up 1.9%

• Average trip length held steady at 6.9 days

Leisure Tourism Still Dominates

The bulk of Spain’s tourist economy continues to be driven by leisure travelers, who made up 84% of total tourist spending in May, up 4.6% year-on-year.

Hotels remain the preferred lodging option, accounting for 68.2% of overnight stays (+1.6%), though non-traditional accommodation, including private holiday homes and stays with friends or family, also saw significant growth in expenditure, increasing by 10%.

Interestingly, while most visitors continue to plan their trips independently, there is a slow but steady rise in interest in package holidays and more curated experiences, suggesting evolving consumer behavior within the tourism landscape.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Investment in Spain’s Prime Destinations

For investors and lifestyle seekers, Spain’s booming tourism sector adds another layer of opportunity, especially across prime coastal regions such as Malaga, Marbella, and the broader Costa del Sol.

At Luxe-Villa.com, we work with international clients seeking to benefit from this momentum, whether through luxury real estate investments, second homes, or relocation. Our team offers curated property portfolios, deep market insights, and bespoke guidance tailored to your long-term goals.

For tailored advice or to schedule a consultation, contact: info@luxe-villa.com

Learn more: www.luxe-villa.com