Spain On Track to Smash 2024 Tourism Record
Spain is on track to smash its annual tourism record, set in 2024, as it welcomes a surge of visitors. However, the country's tourism boom is not without its challenges, as legislators grapple with low-cost airlines over high airport charges and Airbnb faces a crackdown on illegal listings.
By the end of August 2025, Spain had already surpassed its summer tourism records, with a total of 22.3 million visitors. This impressive figure is a 3.9% increase from the same period in 2024, with the country set to welcome over 66.8 million international tourists by the end of the year.
The Spanish government has been working to regulate the short-term rental market, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announcing the removal of over 53,000 illegal listings from Airbnb. The Ministry of Housing in Madrid enforced stricter registration requirements starting July 1, 2025, ensuring only legally registered properties could be listed. This move aims to return housing to local families and residents.
July and August saw Spain welcoming 11 million and 11.3 million international visitors respectively. Despite the influx, over 60% of Spaniards chose to avoid holidays in August, opting for September instead.
Tourism remains a vital sector for Spain's economy, contributing around 15% of its GDP. As the country prepares to break its annual tourism record, legislators continue to address challenges such as high airport charges and illegal short-term rentals, ensuring a sustainable and balanced tourism industry.
