Spain's Tourists Are Spending More Even Though Fewer Are Coming

Spain saw tourist spending jump 15.5% in October 2024—nearly double the 9.5% rise in visitor numbers. This suggests travelers are staying longer or spending more per person. That matters because bringing in more money with fewer crowds could ease the housing and overtourism tensions fueling protests in Barcelona and the Canary Islands. The question now: can Spain maintain this premium approach without risking the tourism industry that powers roughly one-eighth of its economy?