Spain returns to pre-pandemic figures and welcomed 4.1 million international tourists in January

Compared to 2019, the data for this January has reached the pre-pandemic figures (only 49,594 more tourists arrived in Spain in January 2019 than in January 2023). In terms of spending, the January 2023 figure far exceeds pre-pandemic spending: international tourists spent 529 million euros more compared to January 2019.

According to the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, "these extraordinary figures show that tourism will be one of the driving forces of the Spanish economy this year; with figures like those we have seen today, we are closer to our objective: to adapt tourism to the 21^st century by boosting the quality of Spain's touristic offering".

Average spending and stay

The average spending per tourist is currently 1,258 euros, which is an annual increase of 3.5%. On the other hand, the average daily spending grew by 19.3% to 148 euros.

In terms of length of stay, the average length of stay for international tourists was 8.5 days, which is 1.3 days fewer than in January 2022.

Strong growth in terms of UK visitors

By country, the United Kingdom, which continues to lead the outbound tourist market, with 742,212 visitors, experienced strong growth in January (103.6%) compared to the same month in 2022.

France and Germany are the countries that come next in terms of visitors numbers. France contributed 485,116 (39.6% more in annual rate) and Germany 478,258 (69.6% more).

Among other countries of residence, the annual growth in the numbers of tourists from the United States (102.8%), Italy (78.6%) and Ireland (66.1%) stands out.

Canary Islands leads in the tourism sector

The Canary Islands, the top main destination for tourists in January, with 29.0% of the total number of tourists, were visited 1.2 million tourists, 58.5% more than a year ago. The main countries of residence for tourists who visited the Canary Islands are the United Kingdom (with 33.2% of the total) and Germany (18%).

After the Canary Islands, Catalonia, with 19.2%, is the second community in terms of the number of international tourists who visited in January (798,331 visitors), and like the Canary Islands, it has also experienced strong growth compared to a year ago. Compared to the same month in 2022, 71.6% more tourists arrived in Catalonia in January. In terms of country of origin, 18.1% of visitors came from France and 10.6% from Italy.

The third main destination community according to the number of tourists who visited is Andalusia, with 571,873 and an annual increase of 76.8%. The United Kingdom was the main country of origin (with 16.3% of the total), followed by the Nordic countries (11.3%).

In the rest of the communities, the increase of tourists in the Community of Madrid (113.1% more than last year), the Valencian Community (with an annual growth of 71%) and the Balearic Islands (54.5% more than in January 2022) is noteworthy.

Non official translation