Home » EUROPE » Spain’s Tourism Industry Struggles With Reduced International Spending And Weaker Growth Projections Of Nearly Three Percent For 2025
Published on
October 8, 2025
Spain’s tourism sector is likely to be slow this year. Decreased growth projections for 2025 to slightly below three percent is the least of the negatives. International visitor volume is still growing, but growth is slowing primarily due to declines in expenditure by tourists from Germany, France, Turkey, and the United States. The weak financial contributions from travelers will affect the economic impact of tourism, further declining growth expectations. These changes in visitor spending behavior and economic impact of tourism clearly indicate stagnation and the need to reassess expectations and balances in tourism.
Spain, long known as one of the world’s top travel destinations, is experiencing a significant slowdown in its tourism industry. Recent reports indicate that the sector is no longer growing at the pace it once did, a shift attributed to a decrease in spending by international visitors. This change, combined with fluctuating tourist numbers, is expected to have a weaker contribution to the country’s overall economic growth than initially predicted.
In 2025, tourism-related activities in Spain are forecast to grow by just 2.8%, a decrease from the previously estimated 3.3% growth in mid-2025. This marks a notable decline from last year’s robust 5.5% growth. The adjustment reflects the current challenges facing Spain’s tourism market, from reduced consumer spending to shifts in tourist demographics.
Tourism has long been a cornerstone of Spain’s economy, and the sector is predicted to contribute around 13.1% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) this year. This figure is slightly below earlier expectations of 13.5%, signaling a shift in the economic weight carried by tourism as a primary industry.
Despite these challenges, Spain remains one of the most visited countries in the world, with a record 94 million tourists arriving last year, making it the second most visited destination globally. However, projections indicate that the number of international visitors this year may fall short of the 100 million initially expected. As of August, 66.8 million tourists had already visited Spain, a 3.9% increase over the same period in the previous year.
A closer look at tourism-related sales across key sectors such as hotels, airlines, restaurants, and other services paints a picture of the current climate. During the high summer season, these sales grew by just 2.8%, a sharp decline from the 6.3% growth seen in the previous year. With the fall season now underway, expectations for the fourth quarter are modest, with sales projected to rise by only 2%.
A variety of factors are contributing to this slowing growth. One of the primary reasons is the reduction in spending by key international markets, particularly tourists from countries like Germany, France, Turkey, and the United States. The weaker spending habits of these visitors are being felt across the tourism sector, where higher spending typically drives economic success.
However, there are some bright spots amidst the slower growth. Tourists from the United Kingdom, which accounts for a significant portion of Spain’s total visitor numbers, have helped offset the downturn. Alongside the British influx, tourists from China and Poland have also contributed to higher numbers, especially during the peak summer season.
In addition, the number of domestic tourists has remained steady, offering some stability in the face of challenges in international tourism. Domestic travelers have proven resilient, continuing to explore their own country despite global uncertainties that have affected foreign visits.
While the tourism industry is certainly facing a period of slower growth, Spain’s ability to attract millions of visitors each year remains an essential part of the country’s economic structure. The latest figures reflect a temporary shift rather than a long-term decline, and many in the industry remain optimistic that new strategies can help revive the sector.
Looking ahead, Spain’s tourism industry will need to adapt to these changes in visitor spending and behavior. It’s likely that targeted efforts to attract higher-spending tourists, along with a focus on diversifying the country’s tourism offerings, will be essential for maintaining Spain’s position as one of the top global travel destinations. The slow growth experienced this year may serve as a catalyst for necessary industry reforms and strategic shifts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Spain’s tourism industry is facing slower growth, with projections for 2025 revised to nearly three percent due to reduced spending by key international markets like Germany, France, and the U.S. This shift highlights changing traveler behavior and its impact on the sector’s economic contribution.
As global travel continues to evolve, Spain’s tourism industry is expected to remain a vital part of the country’s economy, even as it adjusts to new trends and challenges. The industry’s ability to remain competitive and innovative will be crucial in shaping its future success, and ongoing efforts will be key to regaining momentum in the coming years.
