Published on
October 8, 2025
Spain’s economy heavily depends on tourism. Unlike the previous years where exponential growth was recorded, the constant growth rate for the sector is now being recorded. As stated in the recent report published in the summer of 2025 by Exeltur, the Spanish tourism alliance, the sector grew at a rate of 2.8%, which is significantly lower than the 4.5% growth recorded for the summer of 2024. The slowdown is indicative of the ongoing transformation of the global tourism sector, coupled with the country’s adoption of a more sustainable growth approach.
Spain’s Tourism Growth Shows Signs of Cooling
The Exceltur report, which analyzes tourism performance across Spain, reveals that the country’s tourism growth is no longer driven by the same level of dynamism seen in recent years. In the second quarter of 2025, tourism growth already showed signs of moderation with a 3.3% increase. By the summer, the rate dropped further to just 2.8%, signaling a broader cooling trend. This follows a period of rapid recovery after the pandemic, where Spain’s tourism sector outperformed expectations, reaching new highs.
While tourism remains an essential economic contributor, the slower growth is now indicative of a “normalization” phase. After a period of exceptional expansion, the sector is transitioning into a more sustainable growth trajectory, in line with the overall macroeconomic conditions of the country. This shift means that tourism’s contribution to Spain’s GDP, which had surged in the wake of the pandemic, is expected to decrease in the coming years.
Declining Visitor Numbers and Spending Shifts
Exceltur’s findings highlight that several key indicators of tourism performance have slowed. While foreign visitor arrivals continued to increase in 2025, growing by 2.3% compared to the previous year, the growth in overnight stays was far more modest, rising by only 0.5%. This indicates that while there are still more tourists coming to Spain, many are staying for shorter periods, which directly impacts the amount of money spent per visitor.
Despite this slowdown in visitor numbers, overall tourism spending continued to rise, increasing by 5.6% compared to 2024. This rise in expenditure is attributed to higher prices and longer stays by international travelers. While some European markets, such as Germany, France, Italy, and Belgium, showed weaker demand, arrivals from countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, and regions like Asia and Latin America helped to partially offset the decline in European visitors. However, the higher spending per visitor has not been sufficient to maintain the growth levels experienced in previous years.
Impact on Employment and Domestic Tourism
Tourism employment also saw a slowdown, growing by just 2.1% during the summer, a rate lower than the national average of 2.7%. While employment in the tourism sector remains positive, the rate of job creation has decreased significantly from previous years, as businesses adjust to the slower growth in tourism activity.
Domestic tourism, a vital part of Spain’s overall tourism landscape, has stagnated. The lack of growth in domestic demand highlights a shift in consumer behavior, as more Spanish citizens are choosing to travel abroad or opting for alternative forms of leisure that do not involve traditional tourism destinations. This has placed additional pressure on businesses that had become reliant on the steady flow of domestic tourists.
The Shift Towards Sustainable Tourism
The slowdown in Spain’s tourism sector is not viewed negatively but rather as a necessary shift towards more sustainable growth. Exceltur suggests that the years of rapid growth were unsustainable in the long run and that the focus now needs to be on stabilizing the sector and addressing underlying structural challenges. As tourism activity moderates, there is an opportunity to focus on long-term strategies that will ensure the continued success of the industry.
One of the key strategies discussed is the “Sustainable Tourism Strategy Spain 2030,” which aims to address the challenges of over-tourism while promoting more responsible tourism practices. By regenerating mature sun-and-beach destinations and improving destination management, Spain can attract tourists who seek quality experiences over sheer volume. Additionally, there is a call to combat illegal short-term rentals, which can undermine the local housing market and contribute to overcrowding in popular destinations.
Infrastructure Improvements to Support Tourism
A major concern highlighted in the Exceltur report is the need for improvements in infrastructure reliability. Spain experienced disruptions in airports and rail networks over the summer, which affected the overall tourist experience. To maintain Spain’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination, it is crucial to ensure that transport systems are functioning efficiently and that service quality is prioritized over profit maximization. Improving transportation links, especially between major tourist hotspots, will play a key role in maintaining the flow of tourists and ensuring seamless travel experiences across the country.
Exceltur has urged the Spanish government and private sector stakeholders to collaborate more effectively in addressing these challenges. Investments in infrastructure will be critical for enhancing the overall tourist experience, which will, in turn, contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.
Looking Forward: Spain’s Tourism in the Coming Years
As Spain’s tourism sector transitions into this new phase of growth, expectations for the rest of 2025 remain modest. Exceltur predicts that tourism growth will continue to moderate in the final quarter of the year, with sales expected to increase by around 2%. This slower pace of growth is a sign that the sector is adjusting to the post-pandemic reality, with a focus on quality over quantity.
While Spain remains one of the world’s top tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually, the emphasis is now on maintaining the country’s appeal without overwhelming its infrastructure and natural resources. This shift represents a broader trend in the global tourism industry, where destinations are moving away from mass tourism in favor of more sustainable and culturally enriching experiences for visitors.
Spain’s Tourism Sector in Transition
Spain’s tourism industry is embarking on a new phase, characterized by a slower and more sustainable growth trajectory. Although the extraordinary growth that followed the pandemic is not achievable in the long run, this period of ‘normalization’ is a chance for the country to fine-tune its tourism policies. Focusing on quality and sustainable tourism, while upgrading necessary infrastructures, should help Spain maintain its status as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and cater to the evolving needs of contemporary travelers. Despite the original growth Spain tourism industry will continue to stabilize, and strengthen a more sustainable tourism economy.
