The growth further cements the U.S. as Spain’s largest non-EU source market, putting it ahead of traditionally important markets such as Belgium and the Nordic countries, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
The U.K. remained Spain’s largest source market in August, sending 2.41 million tourists, a 9.3% increase from a year earlier.
Spain received 12.3 million foreign tourists in August, up 9.2% from a year earlier and the highest total recorded for the month. The increase followed growth of 2.8% in June, when arrivals reached 9.74 million, and 4.6% in July, when 11.53 million visitors arrived.
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Tourists sunbathe in El Arenal beach in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, May 25, 2024. Photo by Reuters |
The August increase was the second-highest monthly growth rate of 2026 so far, behind the 9.5% recorded in May, according to Turkey’s travel site FTN News.
The number of American visitors to Spain has risen in recent years, driven by visa-free travel, its high level of safety amid global uncertainty, strong air connectivity and growing interest in its culture and cuisine, according to tourism insiders.
American tourists can travel to Spain visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business or family visits.
Airlines are adding more direct flights between the U.S. and Spain to meet strong travel demand. Major carriers such as Delta, United and American Airlines link key U.S. hubs with Madrid and Barcelona, while seasonal routes to destinations including Málaga, Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao are also expanding.
For the first eight months, Spain received 70.4 million tourists and is on track of welcoming 100 million tourists this year after receiving a record 97 million visitors in 2025.