In 2021, 31.1 million tourists visited Spain, an increase of 64.4% compared to the 18.9 million of the previous year, according to data published today by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

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Total spending by non-resident tourists in Spain during 2021 was 34,816 million euros, which was 76% higher than in 2020 (19,787 million).

For the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, “December has performed better than expected and this allows us to meet the year-end forecasts, which are very good if we take into account the uncertainty generated by Omicron, which has not had the expected negative impact”.

With regard to the overall figures for 2021, the head of Tourism added that “2022 will consolidate a recovery in the sector and Spain will take advantage of its strengths compared to other competing destinations”.

Arrivals in December
In December, 2.9 million international tourists arrived in Spain, 354.5% more than in the same month in 2020. France is the main country of residence, with 532,218 tourists, representing 18.0% of the total and an increase of 224.8% compared to December 2020.

The United Kingdom and Germany are the next countries with the most tourists visiting Spain. The United Kingdom contributed 415,585 (280.2% more in annual rate) and Germany 405,064 (389.7% more).

The Canary Islands was the main destination for tourists in December, with 30.6% of the total. It was followed by Catalonia (18.9%) and Comunitat Valenciana (13.0%).

Tourist expenditure
Total expenditure by international tourists visiting Spain in December reached 3,542 million euros, representing an increase of 408.4% compared with the same month in 2020.

The average expenditure per tourist stood at 1,201 euros, with an annual increase of 11.8%. In turn, the average daily expenditure grew by 14.5% to 126 euros.

The autonomous communities of main destination with the greatest weight in tourist spending in December were the Canary Islands (with 35.1% of the total), Catalonia (15.5%) and the Community of Madrid (12.6%).