Spain is preparing for another strong year in tourism, with the industry expected to contribute more than €269 billion to the country’s economy in 2026. The latest forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects annual growth of 4.1%, highlighting the continued popularity of Spain among international visitors.
Tourism Growth Forecast Revised Upwards
The WTTC has increased its earlier growth estimate from 3.7% to 4.1%. The projected expansion is higher than the expected growth of Spain’s overall economy, estimated at 2.7%.
International business travel is also expected to strengthen, with spending by overseas business visitors forecast to rise by 8.1% this year.
Spain Records Strong Visitor Numbers
The latest outlook follows a record-breaking 2025 for the country’s travel industry.
- Tourism contributed €259 billion to Spain’s economy.
- It represented 15.3% of the country’s GDP.
- The sector supported 3.2 million jobs.
- Spain welcomed 96.8 million international visitors.
- International tourist spending reached €115.8 billion.
These figures underline the importance of tourism to Spain’s economy and employment.
Sustainability and New Travel Experiences in Focus
The WTTC has identified sustainability, better destination management, digital technology and workforce development as important priorities for future growth.
The organisation has also highlighted the need to spread visitors across more destinations and seasons, helping reduce pressure on heavily visited locations while supporting smaller tourism businesses.
Spain Remains a Major Holiday Destination
From historic cities and cultural attractions to beaches and coastal resorts, Spain continues to attract travellers with a wide range of interests. The latest forecast points to another significant year for its tourism industry, supported by both leisure and business travel.
