Spain sets tourism record with 94 million foreign visitors in 2024: Video
Spain welcomed a record-breaking 94 million international tourists in 2024 to affirm a position as the world's second most-visited country, the Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, announced on Wednesday.
The tourism boom has bolstered Spain's economy, with the sector contributing approximately 13 percent to the country's GDP, the AFP reports.
"In 2024, the forecast for international tourists is around 94 million, marking a 10 percent increase compared to 2023, which was already a record year," Hereu stated during a press conference in Madrid.
The surge in visitors also brought significant economic gains, with foreign tourists spending an estimated €126 billion ($130 billion) in 2024—a 16 percent rise from the previous year. Spain's growth rates have remained robust, outpacing much of the sluggish eurozone economy, driven in part by strong tourism performance.
However, the tourism boom has sparked tensions in popular destinations. Locals in hotspots such as Barcelona and Malaga have voiced concerns about rising rents and the transformation of their neighbourhoods due to an influx of visitors.
In response, both cities have introduced measures to regulate short-term tourist rentals, aiming to mitigate public discontent and curb skyrocketing housing prices.
