Spain’s islands and major cities are the most popular destinations, even as overtourism has become a pressing issue in Barcelona
Despite protests against overtourism in some of the country’s most popular destinations, travel analytics firm ForwardKeys has predicted a busy summer ahead for Spain.
According to a press statement by ForwardKeys, international arrivals to Spain in July and August this year are up by 12 pc compared to the equivalent period in 2023.
There has been a significant growth from European markets like Italy, Austria and the Netherlands, which have grown by 53 pc, 23 pc and 23 pc respectively. Besides, even long-haul markets like Brazil have risen by 39 pc and the United States by 31 pc.
Shorter stays show faster growth, long stays retain largest share
ForwardKeys adds that couples have the largest share of all travel group sizes, and show a 13 pc growth, just above the average.
Short stays, accounting for 16 pc and medium stays at 15 pc have seen growth in popularity over 2023, perhaps representing continued caution over travel spending in a challenging economic climate.
Long-stay trips, which still represent the largest share, are growing at a slower rate of 5 pc. Business trips are up by 3 pc, while leisure trips, which account for the largest share of travel, are growing at 15 pc.
Demand for Baleares and Canaries rises amid over-tourism concerns
Spain’s islands and major cities are the most popular destinations, even as overtourism has become a pressing issue in Barcelona, which nonetheless has received 18 pc more tourists and tourist arrivals have grown to islands of Menorca by 51 pc, Lanzarote by 10 pc and Mallorca by 6 pc.
Recent protests in these locations have highlighted residents’ concerns, with calls to limit tourist numbers due to rising living costs and environmental strain, however, the data indicates that tourism growth has so far remained unaffected.
Asia Pacific reactivation drives growth in long-haul arrivals
Long-haul arrivals to Spain are up by 20 pc, largely driven by the resurgence of Asia-Pacific markets including China that has grown by 134 pc and Japan by 58 pc.
These strong increases result from significantly expanded airline capacity and the easing of travel visa requirements, activating pent-up demand for travel to European destinations.
Low-cost carriers boost UK-Spain connectivity
According to ForwardKeys, the scheduled seat capacity for flights into Spain is dominated by the UK market, which shows growth of 8 pc over 2023, with increased capacity from key low-cost carriers including Ryanair by 5 pc, Jet2.com by 9 pc and EasyJet by 8 pc
“Sun and Beach” airports show impressive growth over 2023
Madrid–Barajas (MAD) airport in Spain is the top airport in terms of seat capacity for international flights in summer 2024, and sees growth of over 12 pc over the previous year, attributable to its status as a global hub, and attractiveness to both leisure and business travellers.
However, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC), while fifth in terms of overall capacity, shows the largest year-on-year growth at 18 pc.
Olivier Ponti
Viewed alongside increases at Palma de Mallorca with 9 pc and Málaga-Costa del Sol with 11 pc rise, this underlines the continued importance of sun and beach destinations to tourism in Spain.
“Spain, like many globally popular destinations, is facing a challenge, balancing the needs of local populations negatively affected by high levels of tourism with the necessity to maintain the economic benefits that visitors bring to the country,” says Olivier Ponti, Director of Intelligence & Marketing, ForwardKeys.
“The key is in smart management of visitor flows, looking ahead to anticipate travel trends, and adapting tourism marketing strategies to more equally spread demand, across more destinations, and across a larger proportion of the year. Destinations able to leverage travel intelligence in this way will be better positioned to sustain a tourism model that serves locals and visitors alike,” he adds.
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