admin A recent report titled “NextGen Travellers and Destinations,” jointly conducted by Deloitte and Google, forecasts that Spain will surpass France to become the world’s most visited country by 2040. According to the study, Spain is expected to attract 110 million visitors in 2040, a significant increase from the record 84 million tourists it welcomed last year. This surge in tourism is anticipated to have a substantial positive impact on the Spanish economy, although it also raises concerns about the sustainability of tourism infrastructure and the affordability of accommodation, particularly in city centres.
The report’s projection contrasts with a 2023 study from GlobalData, which predicted France would become the most visited country by 2025 with 93.7 million international travellers. However, the Google-Deloitte survey suggests that by 2040, France will lag behind Spain with 105 million visitors, followed closely by the United States with 100 million tourists.
Economic Impact and Challenges
The anticipated influx of tourists to Spain can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s average of 300 sunny days per year, affordable airfares, and mild winters. These attractive conditions are expected to draw more visitors year-round, contributing to Spain’s burgeoning tourism sector. A recent Caixabank study highlighted that the Spanish tourism industry is growing at nearly twice the rate of the national economy, generating unprecedented revenue as visitors spend increasingly more each year.
In 2024, Spain is on track to surpass 90 million tourist arrivals, exceeding the previous record of 85 million set in 2023 and significantly outpacing pre-pandemic levels from 2019. The country’s airports are consistently breaking passenger records, and tourists now spend an average of €1,300 per visit — a 19% increase compared to pre-pandemic figures. Consequently, tourism now accounts for a staggering 13% of Spain’s GDP.
However, the rapid growth in tourism also presents challenges. The rising cost of accommodation in popular city centres is pricing out local residents, and there are growing concerns about the strain on tourism infrastructure. Additionally, the Google-Deloitte survey does not address the potential impact of new regulations on holiday apartment rentals or the effects of anti-tourism protests in regions like the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and Barcelona.
As Spain prepares for a future as the world’s top tourist destination, balancing economic benefits with sustainable practices and community welfare will be crucial.
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