Between January and July this year, Spain received 63.7 million international air passengers, 6% more than last year, according to data published on Tuesday by Spain’s official tourism agency, Turespaña.
Figures show that passenger arrivals increased from all major source markets, with the exception of Germany, whose economic crisis is affecting tourism.
In July alone, international visitors arriving from international airports totalled more than 11.7 million, representing a 4.3% increase compared to the same month last year.
Last year Spain had already recorded an all-time high in international tourist arrivals, but the sector still shows no sign of reaching its peak, despite the difficulty of continuing to grow at the current levels.
In July, there were notable increases in arrivals from China, South Korea, Turkey and Colombia, as well as a recovery in Japan.
The UK, however, remains the single largest source market, far ahead of others, with 2.7 million arrivals by air in July – up 4% year-on-year and representing 23% of all international passengers that month.
Italy also showed growth, with arrivals rising by 5% to reach 1.1 million people. France accounted for 7.4% of July’s total, with just under 868,000 passengers, a figure similar to last year, though it should be noted that many French visitors to Spain travel by road or rail rather than by plane.
Madrid, Catalonia, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Andalusia and Valencia remain the top destinations within Spain. All reported growth, but Valencia stood out with an 8% rise compared to a year earlier.
Industry forecasts suggest Spain could surpass 100 million foreign visitors in 2025 – a milestone that boosts tourism revenues but also places heavy pressure on local communities, sparking discontent among residents. ALSO READ: Thousands protest against over-tourism in Barcelona & Mallorca, many with water pistols.
According to experts, visitors are chiefly drawn by Spain’s climate, infrastructure, culture, hospitality and gastronomy, with competitive prices providing an additional incentive.
Domestic tourists, however, are feeling the squeeze, according to official data. Hotel and hospitality costs in Spain have risen by 22%, pricing many Spaniards out of local holidays this summer.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
📢Publicada la Nota de Pasajeros Aéreos Internacionales a España, en el mes de Julio.
🛫Entre enero- julio, llegaron 63,7 millones de pasajeros internacionales.
🛫Un +6% respecto mismo periodo 2024.
Masℹ️👉https://t.co/MSNPXxi82q pic.twitter.com/gXKPjFqK2C
— Turespaña Oficial (@Turespana_) August 19, 2025
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.