Luxury tourism in Spain boosts the economy and reshapes the profile of fore

Luxury tourism in Spain boosts the economy and reshapes the profile of foreign travelers

28-01-2026

Luxury tourism in Spain is emerging as a top-tier economic engine while also reshaping the profile of the traveler who contributes most significantly to the country’s overall tourism revenue. According to a recent analysis by CaixaBank Research examining spending trends and the behavior of international visitors, this high-purchasing-power segment accounts for only about 3% of the total number of travelers arriving in Spain, yet it generates 20% of the overall expenditure made by foreign visitors during their stays.

The figures show that the economic contribution of these high-end tourists is disproportionately large compared with their volume: while a conventional tourist spends an average of around €46 per day, a luxury visitor spends approximately €731 per day throughout the trip—an indicator that has drawn the attention of both public and private stakeholders involved in tourism planning and promotion.

This traveler profile displays a clear preference for urban destinations offering high-level cultural experiences, placing cities such as Madrid and Barcelona at the center of premium demand. Specifically, Madrid accounts for roughly 18.7% of total spending generated by these tourists, followed by Barcelona with 14.9%. These figures reflect a shift away from the traditional profile toward one that values experiences, gastronomy, art, and exclusive services.

The rise of luxury tourism has not only a quantitative impact in terms of spending, but also a direct influence on the quality of Spain’s tourism offering. Growing demand for personalized, high-end experiences has triggered investment in upscale hospitality, top-tier dining, cultural activities, and tailor-made packages. This transformation aligns with international studies that position Spain as a promising tourism market in segments such as wellness, culture, and high-end destinations within Europe.

Source markets for luxury tourists are also showing an interesting evolution. While the United Kingdom, France, and Germany remain major sources of visitors to Spain, other high-income countries—such as the United States and Switzerland—are gaining weight within the premium segment. In addition, non-European markets with strong purchasing power, including Gulf countries, are also contributing an increasing share of luxury travelers, further diversifying demand and reducing reliance on traditional markets.

This spending pattern contrasts with the behavior of tourists traveling for more conventional reasons, mainly vacations or classic leisure trips. While these travelers remain the majority in terms of volume, their per-capita economic impact is notably lower, underscoring the strategic importance of attracting more visitors with qualified profiles and higher purchasing power.

The multiplier effect of this segment is also evident in local services and in the broader economy surrounding direct tourism activity. High luxury spending stimulates demand for high value-added products and services: from fashion and jewelry boutiques to exclusive culinary experiences, internationally rated spas, and private cultural events. Specialized studies suggest that up to 50% of luxury tourism spending in Spain goes to shopping, while 26% is allocated to high-end accommodation and around 20% to dining.

This trend also brings both challenges and opportunities for tourism management. On the one hand, it highlights the need to balance the offer so that both mass tourism and high-value tourism can find room for sustainable development across Spain. On the other hand, it points to the importance of policies that encourage de-seasonalization, innovation in travel experiences, and strengthening the Spain brand—not only as a destination attractive for its climate and historical heritage, but also for its ability to deliver exclusive tourism products and personalized services.

As Spain consolidates its position as one of the world’s leading destinations, the focus on luxury tourism is becoming a key element within a broader strategy aimed at maximizing revenue per visitor, diversifying source markets, and boosting the competitiveness of the national tourism sector in an increasingly demanding global context.

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