The Spanish tourism sector is kicking off the year with excellent news. According to the latest data, Spain welcomed over 21 million international visitors during the first quarter of 2025, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge solidifies the post-pandemic recovery and reaffirms Spain’s enduring appeal as a top destination for European travellers, particularly from the UK, Germany, and Italy—traditionally strong markets for Spanish tourism.
Autonomous Regions: Winners and Trends
Growth has not been evenly distributed. While the Canary Islands, Catalonia, Madrid, and Andalusia remain leading destinations, it is the Valencian Community that has seen the most remarkable progress, with a 17.2% rise in international arrivals. This figure reflects, among other factors, the success of its combined offering of sun, beach, culture, and gastronomy. In contrast, the Balearic Islands recorded a slight decline of 2.1%, likely due to increased competition from other Mediterranean destinations or adjustments in hotel capacity.
Holy Week: A Wave of Optimism for Andalusia
If the first quarter was positive, Holy Week has confirmed the sector’s robust health. Andalusia emerged as the star performer, smashing records with 1.02 million tourists—a 22.3% increase over 2024—even surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. These visitors are estimated to have generated close to €500 million in revenue, an economic boost particularly felt in Seville, Málaga, and Córdoba, where occupancy rates exceeded 85% during peak days.
But beyond urban and coastal tourism, another revealing trend stands out: the rise of rural tourism. Destinations like Sierra Nevada attracted up to 10,000 visitors during the holiday period, proving that travellers are increasingly seeking diverse experiences that blend nature, sports, and authenticity.
In short, the first months of 2025 paint a hopeful picture for Spanish tourism, with strong numbers, market diversification, and a clear appetite for everything our country has to offer. The challenge now is to sustain this momentum and continue innovating to meet the demands of an increasingly discerning and diverse travellers.
