Monday, June 2, 2025
Spain is poised to reach a new milestone in its tourism-driven economy, with forecasts indicating the sector could generate over €260 billion in 2025. The latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts that the country’s tourism industry will contribute €260.5 billion to GDP, accounting for nearly 16% of Spain’s entire economy. This upward trend not only reaffirms Spain’s position as a world tourism leader but also highlights its growing importance to national economic health.
Prepared in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the WTTC’s Economic Impact Research (EIR) report also projects the industry will support around 3.2 million jobs in 2025, or 14.4% of Spain’s total workforce. With international travel continuing its strong rebound, and domestic tourism remaining solid, Spain’s tourism outlook for the coming year is brighter than ever.
These promising figures come on the heels of a strong 2024 performance, which already marked the best year for the sector since 2019. As Spain sets its sights on new records in both GDP contribution and job creation, tourism continues to be one of its most vital economic engines.
Tourism’s Growing Contribution to Spain’s Economy
By the end of 2025, Spain’s tourism sector is expected to reach an all-time high in economic impact. A projected 4.7% increase from the previous year will bring the sector’s total contribution to €260.5 billion. That’s nearly one-sixth of the national GDP—making tourism one of Spain’s most crucial industries.
Alongside that economic output, tourism-related employment is also expected to rise. With 3.2 million jobs supported by the sector, tourism will employ more than one in every seven workers in the country. From hospitality and food services to transport and local crafts, the sector’s economic ripple effect is wide-reaching.
Surging Tourist Spending: International and Domestic Markets
In 2025, international tourists are forecast to spend a record €113.2 billion in Spain—representing a 5.7% rise compared to 2024. Meanwhile, domestic travelers are projected to contribute another €84.9 billion, up 2.4% year-over-year.
Combined, these spending figures reinforce Spain’s dual strength in attracting global visitors while maintaining a solid base of domestic tourism. International tourism continues to account for the majority of the total spend, with leisure travel dominating over business-related trips.
Spain’s 2024 Performance: A Strong Foundation
The positive outlook for 2025 builds on a remarkably successful 2024, when the sector’s GDP contribution reached €248.7 billion—nearly 15.6% of the country’s economy. Employment figures also showed solid growth, with around 3 million people working in tourism-related roles.
Spending from international visitors reached €107.1 billion last year, up nearly 11% from 2023, while domestic spending climbed to €82.9 billion. The leisure segment accounted for a dominant 88.3% of all tourism-related spending, confirming the ongoing popularity of Spain’s beaches, historic cities, and culinary experiences.
Top source countries for inbound tourism in 2024 included the United Kingdom (20%), France (14%), and Germany (13%). Meanwhile, Spaniards traveling abroad favored France (25%), followed by Italy (14%), the UK (8%), and Portugal (8%).
A Long-Term View: Spain’s 2035 Tourism Vision
Looking further ahead, the WTTC projects Spain’s tourism economy will continue expanding through the next decade. By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute over €315 billion to GDP—equivalent to more than 17% of the national economy. Employment in the sector could rise to 4 million jobs, adding 700,000 new positions compared to current levels.
These long-term forecasts demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of Spain’s tourism industry. With ongoing investment in digital transformation, sustainable tourism practices, and improved regional accessibility, the sector is well-positioned to grow in both volume and quality.
Tourism’s Role in the Broader European Context
Spain’s tourism success reflects a broader trend across Europe, where the sector is rapidly regaining strength post-pandemic. In 2024, the European Union’s travel and tourism industry contributed nearly €1.8 trillion to regional GDP—equivalent to over 10% of the EU economy.
The EU sector supported 24.6 million jobs in 2024, representing one in every nine jobs across the region. Tourist spending within the EU hit impressive figures as well, with domestic travel reaching €1 trillion and international visitor spending hitting €515 billion.
Looking at 2025, the WTTC forecasts:
- GDP contribution: Nearly €1.9 trillion (10.5% of EU GDP)
- Employment: 25.7 million jobs, or 12% of total EU employment
- International spending: A projected 11% rise to €573 billion
- Domestic spending: Expected to grow by 1.6%, reaching €1.1 trillion
These figures show that Europe—and Spain in particular—remains a top global destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Why Spain Continues to Lead in Tourism
Spain’s enduring popularity is built on a blend of rich heritage, vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and visitor-friendly infrastructure. From the beaches of the Balearic Islands and the art-filled streets of Madrid to the tapas bars of Seville and the mountain trails of the Pyrenees, Spain offers something for every traveler.
Moreover, Spain’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in tourism is playing a growing role in its success. Initiatives aimed at reducing overcrowding, promoting local economies, and investing in digital technologies are helping the country manage growth while preserving its cultural and natural assets.
Looking Forward: Opportunities and Challenges
While the outlook is overwhelmingly positive, experts emphasize the need to balance growth with sustainability. As visitor numbers continue to rise, there’s increasing pressure to avoid over-tourism in hotspots like Barcelona, Mallorca, and the Costa del Sol.
Spain’s future success will depend on its ability to spread tourism more evenly across regions, invest in workforce development, and modernize infrastructure to handle growing demand. Digital innovation, public-private partnerships, and targeted tourism campaigns are likely to play a key role.
Conclusion: Spain on Track for a Tourism Milestone
With a projected GDP contribution of €260.5 billion in 2025 and 3.2 million jobs tied to the sector, Spain’s tourism economy is entering a new era. Supported by strong international and domestic demand, strategic investment, and a clear long-term vision, Spain is more than just a leading travel destination—it’s a blueprint for tourism-driven growth.
As the country moves toward 2035 with its sights set on €315 billion in GDP contribution and 4 million tourism jobs, the message is clear: Spain’s tourism success isn’t just a comeback—it’s a transformation.
