Spain is experiencing a remarkable tourism renaissance in 2025, with major carriers including American Airlines, Air France, Iberia, British Airways, Wizz Air, and Vueling playing a central role in driving record visitor numbers. Throughout the first nine months of 2025, Spain welcomed over 55 million international tourists, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by approximately 3%.

The expansion of airline capacity has emerged as the primary catalyst for this tourism surge. These carriers have strategically increased flight frequencies and expanded routes, strengthening connectivity between Spain and major global markets. Madrid and Barcelona have positioned themselves as the primary hubs attracting international visitors, while regional destinations continue to grow in appeal.

International tourist spending has been equally impressive. During the first seven months of 2025, foreign tourists spent over 76 billion euros, representing a 4.5% year-on-year increase. More notably, spending growth has outpaced arrival growth, indicating that visitors are spending more per trip and experiencing enhanced travel packages. Catalonia, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands have emerged as the most visited regions.

Market dynamics reveal interesting shifts in visitor origins. While traditional sources like Germany and France experienced modest declines, visitors from the United Kingdom surged 3.3%, Ireland increased by nearly 6%, and Portugal saw a remarkable 7% growth. This diversification of source markets reflects Spain’s broadening appeal across different international segments.

The economic impact remains substantial. In 2024, Spain’s tourism sector generated 248.7 billion euros in GDP contribution, representing 15.6% of the national economy and supporting 3 million jobs. For 2025, projections suggest the sector will achieve a historic milestone, contributing 260.5 billion euros to GDP—approximately 16% of the national economy.

Looking ahead, the collaboration between international carriers and Spanish tourism authorities promises sustained growth. The convergence of increased air connectivity, diversified tourist preferences, and growing demand for authentic, sustainable travel experiences positions Spain as a resilient and evolving tourism powerhouse. By 2035, the sector is projected to contribute over 315 billion euros to GDP while creating 4 million jobs.