Spain’s travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute more than EUR269 billion (US$300 billion) to the national economy in 2026, up 4.1% from the previous year, amid continued growth in international arrivals.
The projection, made by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), follows a record-breaking 2025, when travel and tourism contributed EUR259 billion, equivalent to 15.3% of Spain’s GDP, and supported 3.2 million jobs.
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A general view of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain, March 12, 2020. Photo by Reuters |
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara credited cooperation between the government and private sector to help travel and tourism become a powerful driver of economic growth, investment and job creation.
Spain has continued to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations while embracing the policies needed to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth, Guevara added.
Spain welcomed a record 96.8 million international tourists in 2025, up 3.2% from 2024, making it the world’s second most visited country after France, which received 102 million foreign visitors.
Between January and August 2026, Spain received 70.4 million international tourists, a 5.4% increase year on year.