Spain, the world’s second most visited country after France, attracted a record 43.6 million international tourists this summer, a 6% increase from a year earlier, driven by diverse marketing campaigns and safe tourism reputation.
Spending by international tourists rose 10% year-on-year to €64 billion (US$73 billion) between June and September, according to data compiled from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE).
Spain’s summer season runs from June to September, offering ideal weather conditions for sightseeing, swimming and experiencing some of Europe’s most vibrant traditional festivals.
Insiders said the rise in visitor arrivals demonstrate international travel confidence remains strong despite global uncertainty.
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People look on from balconies at the running of the bulls during the San Fermín fiestas in Pamplona, Spain. Photo by AP |
Spain’s tourism industry has gained from shifting travel patterns following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, as visitors increasingly view the country as a safe and appealing alternative destination, according to CaixaBank Research, Spain-based center specializing in economic research and analysis.
The country has emerged as a bright spot in the global tourism landscape amid the Middle East crisis, which has caused tourist arrivals to decline in many tourism-dependent countries.
Spain expects to welcome 100 million tourists this year after receiving a record 97 million visitors in 2025.
In the first nine months of this year, the number of foreign tourists to the country reached 80.5 million, up 5.2% from a year earlier.