Spain approaches the spring and summer of 2026 with a favourable tourism outlook, driven by increased air connectivity, sustained hotel bookings and international demand that continues to rise. Between April and October, airlines have scheduled around 260 million seats to Spain, 5.7% more than in the previous summer season. Added to this is the forecast of the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT), which anticipates maintaining last year’s occupancy levels, in a context in which Spain continues to be perceived as a safe haven destination in the face of instability derived from the armed conflict.
In terms of connectivity, the destination map shows different paces. Andalusia stands out with 9.8% growth in scheduled seats (32.1 million seats), driven by Seville (+13.2%), Málaga (+8.2%), Granada (+6.7%), Almería (+22%) and Jerez (+15.5%). The Balearic Islands are also moving forward, with 2.6% more (47.9 million), supported by Palma (+2%), Ibiza (+5.1%) and Mahón (+2.3%).
Nerja. Adobe Stock.
The Canary Islands, on the other hand, are down 2.5%, to 35.7 million, with decreases in Fuerteventura, Tenerife South and Tenerife North, although Las Palmas, La Palma and El Hierro are up. Madrid (+8%), Barcelona (+7.6%) and Alicante (+14.1%) also stand out.
Hotel occupancy will remain at levels similar to last year, with a more dynamic performance in holiday destinations and a more contained evolution in some urban enclaves. Although there is still some caution due to the situation in the Middle East and the impact of costs, the sector as a whole faces the season with higher levels of demand and capacity.