Spain: Tourism will surpass €260 billion in 2025

02-06-25

Tourism in Spain continues to solidify its role as one of the country's key economic drivers. According to projections from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the tourism sector is expected to contribute €260.5 billion to Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025. This represents a 4.7% increase over the previous year and would account for 16% of the national economy.

This sustained growth highlights the sector’s recovery and expansion following the challenges posed by the pandemic. In 2024, tourism had already reached a contribution of €248.7 billion to the GDP, representing 15.6% of the Spanish economy and supporting around 3 million jobs—approximately 14% of total employment in the country.

For 2025, the tourism sector is projected to employ 3.2 million people, which would represent 14.4% of Spain’s total employment. This growth in employment underscores tourism’s importance not only as an economic engine but also as a significant source of job creation across various regions of the country.

Regarding tourism spending, international visitors are expected to spend €113.2 billion in 2025, reflecting a 5.7% year-over-year increase. Meanwhile, domestic travel spending is estimated to reach €84.9 billion, a 2.4% rise compared to the previous year.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the WTTC, emphasized that “Spain remains a true global tourism powerhouse. The outlook for 2025 is very positive, and with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, the country is well positioned to lead the future of global tourism, even in a challenging international environment.”

Looking further ahead, the projections for 2035 are even more promising. Tourism could contribute €315.7 billion to Spain’s GDP, surpassing 17% of the national economy and generating 4 million jobs—700,000 more than at present.

At the European level, the WTTC forecasts that by 2025, the tourism sector will generate nearly €1.9 trillion, representing 10.5% of the European Union’s economy. Employment in the sector is expected to exceed 25.7 million people, or 12% of the regional total. Furthermore, international visitor spending is projected to grow by more than 11%, reaching €573 billion, while domestic spending is anticipated to rise by 1.6%, surpassing €1.1 trillion.

These figures reflect the dynamism and resilience of Spain’s tourism industry, which has not only regained the ground lost during the pandemic but is now poised for sustained growth over the next decade. With a strategic focus on sustainability, innovation, and market diversification, Spain is well positioned to lead the global tourism sector in the coming years.

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