International tourism closes 2021 with a 64.4% increase in visitors and a 76% rise in spending

Total spending by non-resident tourists in Spain in 2021 was 34.82 billion euros, an increase of 76% compared to 2020 (19.79 billion).

According to the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, "December's activity was better than expected, and this allowed us to meet our year-end forecasts, which are very good if we take into account the uncertainty generated by Omicron, which has not had the expected negative impact."

With regards to the overall figures for 2021, the head of Tourism added that "the recovery of the sector will be consolidated in 2022, and Spain will take advantage of its strengths compared to other competing destinations."

Arrivals in December

In December, 2.9 million international tourists arrived in Spain, 354.5% more than in the same month of 2020. France is the main country of residence, with 532,218 tourists, representing 18.0% of the total and an increase of 224.8% compared to December 2020.

The United Kingdom and Germany are the next countries with the most tourists visiting Spain. The United Kingdom contributed 415,585 (280.2% more in annual rate) and Germany 405,064 (389.7% more).

The Canary Islands is the first main destination for tourists in December, with 30.6% of the total. It is followed by Catalonia (18.9%) and Valencia (13.0%).

Tourism spending

Total spending by international tourists visiting Spain in December reached 3.54 billion euros, an increase of 408.4% compared to the same month in 2020.

The average spending per tourist stands at 1,201 euros, with an annual increase of 11.8%. On the other hand, the average daily spending grew by 14.5% to 126 euros.

The autonomous communities with the greatest weight in tourist spending in December were the Canary Islands (with 35.1% of the total), Catalonia (15.5%) and the Community of Madrid (12.6%).

Non official translation