Spain posts record number of 82 million inbound tourists in 2017

Total spending by tourists visiting Spain amounted to 87 billion euros, also a record figure, which amounts to a 12.4% increase on the previous year. Furthermore, average spending per tourist enjoyed growth of 3.1% in 2017, to stand at 1,061 euros per person. Average daily spending amounted to 137 euros, a 4.4% rise on 2016.

Tourist arrivals from January to November

Among the main emitting markets between January and November, and according to the Tourist Movements at Borders Statistics (FRONTUR) published on Wednesday, 10 January and drawn up by the INE, particularly noteworthy was the strength of the United Kingdom, with almost 18 million tourists, a 7% increase on the first 11 months of 2016. This market was followed by Germany, with 11.4 million tourists and growth of 6.1%, and France, with 10.7 million tourists and growth of 0.4% on the same months of 2016.

By destination in Spain, Catalonia was the most popular autonomous region, with more than 18.2 million inbound tourists, a 6.1% increase on the first 11 months of 2016. This region was followed by the Balearic Islands, with 13.7 million tourists and growth of 6.2%, and the Canary Islands, with almost 13 million and growth of 7.9%.

Higher spending between January and November

Total spending by inbound tourists to November 2017 amounted to 82.29 billion euros, according to figures from the INE. The main destination autonomous regions with the highest accumulated spending were Catalonia (with a 22.2% share of the total), the Canary Islands (18.5%) and the Balearic Islands (17.6%).

In terms of emitting markets and during the same period, the United Kingdom posted the highest accumulated spending, with 16.6 billion euros and 20.2% market share, followed by Germany, with 11.69 billion and 14.2% share and France, with 6.69 billion and 8.1% share.

Non official translation