Spain tourism sector set to reach USD 300b

Dhaka: Spain’s travel and tourism industry is expected to contribute more than EUR 269 billion (USD 300 billion) to the national economy in 2026, marking a 4.1 percent increase from the previous year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

The forecast follows a record performance in 2025, when the sector generated EUR 259 billion, equivalent to 15.3 percent of Spain’s gross domestic product, and supported approximately 3.2 million jobs.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said cooperation between the government and private sector had helped establish tourism as a major source of economic growth, investment and employment.

She added that Spain was strengthening its position among the world’s leading destinations while pursuing policies aimed at maintaining competitiveness and supporting sustainable growth.

The country welcomed a record 96.8 million international visitors in 2025, an increase of 3.2 percent from 2024. That placed Spain second globally in international tourist arrivals, behind France, which received 102 million visitors.

Tourism growth has continued in 2026. Spain recorded 70.4 million international arrivals between January and August, representing a 5.4 percent rise compared with the same period last year.

The latest figures underline the sector’s continuing contribution to Spain’s economy as the country seeks to balance visitor growth with long-term sustainability.