Spain Breaks Tourism Record amid Growing Local Concerns
Madrid, Spain – Spain experienced its most prosperous summer tourism season on record, welcoming 22.3 million international visitors in July and August, according to data released Thursday by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).This figure surpasses the previous high of 21.8 million set in 2024.
The surge in tourism, a key driver of the Spanish economy, comes as several regions grapple with increasing local backlash against overtourism.While the record numbers represent a 3.9% increase in foreign tourists for the first eight months of 2025, reaching 66.8 million, the influx is fueling debate over its impact on infrastructure, housing affordability, and quality of life for residents.
British tourists led the way with 4.3 million visitors, followed by French (3.6 million) and German (2.5 million) travelers. Total tourist spending reached 92.5 billion euros over the first eight months of the year, a 7.1% increase compared to 2024,with tourists spending an average of 198 euros per day in August.
The rising costs associated with tourism are a central point of contention. Demonstrations have increased in cities like Barcelona, Malaga, and across the Balearic and Canary Islands, with residents protesting rising rents driven by the proliferation of short-term tourist rentals. In response, cities like Barcelona have announced plans to restrict tourist apartment rentals, aiming to improve housing access for locals by 2029.
spain remains the second most visited country in the world, trailing only France. The INE data highlights the continued appeal of Spain as a global destination, even as the country navigates the complex challenges of balancing economic benefits with the needs of its communities.
