Spending by international tourists exceeded €7.6 billion in February, 4.6% more than in the same month in 2025

Total spending by international tourists in the first month of 2026 reached €7.6 billion, 4.6% more than in February of the previous year, according to data published by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

As for the number of international tourists who arrived in Spain in February, the figure exceeded 5.6 million, representing a 2.8% increase compared to the same period of the previous year.

In the first two months of 2026, international tourists' total spending reached €15.41 billion, 6.9% more than in the same period of the previous year, and the number of visitors reached 10.7 million, representing 2% more.

These figures confirm a start to the year in which the trend of spending at the destination is once again growing faster than the rate of arrivals. This statistical trend aligns with the Ministry of Industry and Tourism's commitment to a new tourism model, one that prioritises sustainability, is based on quality over quantity, decentralises and reduces seasonality in destinations, and diversifies the tourism offerings.

Significant growth in the Asian market

In the second month of the year, the UK was the main country of origin of tourists to Spain, with more than one million and a year-on-year increase of 1.8%. In second place, 687,434 visitors came from France, a decrease of -4.8% compared to the same period last year. Last, 629,604 people arrived from Germany, a slight increase of 1.4%. Of particular note was the 41.9% year-on-year increase in the Asian market, with more than 330,000 visitors.

In terms of level of spending, the main issuing countries in February were the UK, with 15% of the total, Germany, with 11.9% of the total, and the Nordic countries, with 7.8% of the total.

Spending by UK-based tourists decreased by -3.8% year-on-year to €1.165 billion. Spending by visitors from the Nordic countries also decreased by -6.4% to €594 million. Meanwhile, spending by German visitors rose by 8% to €904 million. In terms of spending, the countries categorised as the 'rest of the world' stood out for another month, with disbursements increasing by 11.6%.

In February, each tourist spent an average of €1.366, which represents an increase of 1.7% compared to February of the previous year. Visitors' average daily spending grew by 3.4% year-on-year, reaching €190.

Meanwhile, the length of stay of the majority of tourists was four to seven nights, with almost 2.7 million and an annual increase of 4.1%.

The Canary Islands, the most popular destination and the one with the highest spending in February

The Canary Islands was the first main destination for tourists in February, with 26.8% of the total. In second and third places were Catalonia (21.3%) and Andalusia (14.1%), respectively.

The Canary Islands received 1,492,242 tourists, 3.3% more than in February 2025, and Catalonia 4.1% more, up to 1,187,379. The number of tourists visiting Andalusia increased slightly, by 1.1%, to 784,734. In relative terms, the highest year-on-year growth was recorded by the Valencian Community, with 10.4% more international tourists, reaching 740,365.

Last, the autonomous communities among the main destinations with the greatest weight in tourist spending in February were, in first place, the Canary Islands, with 29.2% of the total, a spending of €2.221 billion, representing a decrease of -1.6% year-on-year.

In second place was Catalonia with 18% of the total, €1.372 billion and an increase of 18.7%. The Community of Madrid was in third place, with 15.3% of the total, €1.166 billion, up 1.9% year-on-year.

Non official translation