Spain's visitor numbers hit new highs as tourists avoid Middle East
Summary
Spain’s tourism industry is growing rapidly, reaching a record 97 million visitors in 2025 and aiming for 100 million in 2026. This growth is partly because tourists are avoiding Middle Eastern destinations due to conflicts there, making Spain a safer choice.Key Facts
- Spain is the world’s second most visited country after France.
- In 2025, Spain welcomed 97 million tourists, a new record.
- The tourism industry makes up about 13% of Spain’s economy.
- Conflicts in the Middle East have made Spain more attractive to tourists who might otherwise visit places like Dubai, Turkey, or Cyprus.
- Benidorm, a popular Spanish beach resort, sees its population increase fivefold during the summer tourist season.
- Tourist numbers increased by 5.2% in April 2026 compared to April 2025.
- Dubai International Airport saw a 66% drop in passengers in March 2026 due to regional conflicts.
- Some Spanish cities, like Barcelona, have protests from locals concerned about too many tourists and the effects on their communities.
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