A Strong Comeback for Tourism
According to recent insights from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the Spanish tourism sector is making significant strides. In 2024, tourism contributed nearly €249 billion to Spain’s GDP—an increase of almost 8% from the previous year and the highest since 2019. This upward trajectory sets the stage for further growth and resilience.
Driving Economic Growth and Employment
The WTTC’s Economic Impact Research reveals that tourism is expected to grow by 4.7% year-on-year by 2025. It is projected to support 3.2 million jobs, accounting for 14.4% of total employment in Spain. This growth is being fueled by strong performance in both international and domestic tourism spending.
International and Domestic Tourism on the Rise
In 2024, spending by international visitors surged by nearly 11%, reaching €107.1 billion. Domestic tourism also saw steady growth, with spending increasing by 2.2% to €82.9 billion. Leisure travel continues to dominate, making up an impressive 88.3% of total tourism expenditure, while business travel comprises a smaller share.
Top international source markets include the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Meanwhile, Spaniards themselves showed a strong preference for traveling to destinations such as France and Italy.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Projections
By 2035, the WTTC forecasts that Spain’s tourism sector could contribute a staggering €315.7 billion to the GDP and support up to 4 million jobs. WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson praised Spain’s adaptability and commitment to sustainable tourism, emphasizing innovation as key to the country’s future success in the global travel market.
Spain’s Role in the European Tourism Landscape
Spain’s achievements are part of a wider trend across the European Union. In 2024, the EU’s travel and tourism sector contributed close to €1.8 trillion to regional GDP. This figure is expected to grow to nearly €1.9 trillion by 2025, supporting approximately 25.7 million jobs.
Conclusion
With strategic investment and continued momentum in both international and domestic tourism, Spain is set to reach record-breaking economic contributions by 2025. As a key player within the broader European tourism framework, Spain’s success reflects not only a thriving sector but also a strong potential for sustainable and inclusive growth in the years ahead.
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Photos Source: Canva AI
