Spain closed 2025 with a new record in international visitor numbers: according to preliminary figures from the Ministry of Tourism, the country welcomed around 97 million foreign tourists. This marks a clear increase compared with the previous year and further strengthens Spain’s position as a global tourism powerhouse.
Spain Press Editorial Team
Strong growth compared with 2024
In 2024, around 94 million international visitors came to Spain – also a record year. The growth rate of approximately 3.5% compared with 2024 demonstrates that Spain was able to further enhance its appeal. At the same time, revenue from the tourism sector rose to around €135 billion, an increase of 6.8% year on year.
These figures underline that it is not only the number of arrivals that is increasing, but also the economic significance of tourism: it now accounts for around 13% of Spain’s GDP – a clear testament to the sector’s central role in the national economy.
Global Ranking: Spain in Second Place
According to current international statistics, Spain has further solidified its position among the most visited countries in the world. With around 97 million international arrivals in 2025, Spain ranks second globally in tourism, just behind France.
For comparison:
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France remains the leader – although the final figures for 2025 are yet to be released, France was clearly the number one destination in the world in 2024, with around 100 million visitors.
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With 97 million visitors, Spain has already closed the gap with France in certain metrics and confirms its claim to the second rank.
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The USA, traditionally not among the very top in international visitor numbers, remained behind European destinations, with an estimated 68 million foreign visitors in 2025.
This development highlights the continued dominance of European countries in global tourism, with Spain and France at the top of the ranking.
Why does Spain remain so attractive?
Tourism experts attribute Spain’s continued success to its diverse offerings and geographical advantages:
✔ Mediterranean beaches and islands (Balearic and Canary Islands)
✔ Historic cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Granada
✔ A strong cultural and gastronomic scene, combined with well-developed infrastructure
✔ Seasonal variety, ranging from summer holidays to active and city tourism
Furthermore, travel patterns have changed: an increasing number of visitors are travelling not only during the peak season but also in the shoulder seasons, which helps to spread the demand throughout the year.
International Comparisons: Europe vs. the USA
While Spain and France continue to be the most visited destinations in the world, data for the USA show a slight decline in foreign visitors in 2025 – partly due to stricter entry and immigration regulations, as well as higher travel costs.
This has strengthened Europe as a whole, as many travellers choose their destinations based on culture, safety, and travel convenience – factors in which Spain and France often excel.
Assessment of a Record Year
In 2025, Spain reached a new milestone in tourism, welcoming around 97 million foreign visitors, marking solid growth compared with 2024 and securing a spot just behind France in the global ranking. The tourism sector remains a key driver of Spain’s economy and a magnet for travellers from around the world.
