- Spanish travel agencies forecast 8pc-10pc September growth, outperforming summer’s 5pc-6pc
- Imserso senior programme launch and Madrid Formula 1 driving late-season demand
- 17pc of Spanish travellers now choose September for milder weather and lower prices
- Customers showing heightened price sensitivity and delaying bookings
- Spain positioned as “refuge destination” amid geopolitical tensions elsewhere
Spanish travel agencies are anticipating a rebound in activity of up to 10pc for September 2026, according to calculations from the travel agency association UNAV-Fetave. Current bookings project an increase of between 8pc and 10pc compared to September of last year, significantly outperforming the 5pc to 6pc growth experienced during the peak summer campaign. Operators have reported solid demand for late-summer and early-autumn trips despite broader economic challenges.
Three key drivers underpin the September growth forecast. The Imserso subsidised senior travel programme launches in mid-September, heavily driving agency sales and off-season mobility. Madrid is hosting the Spanish Grand Prix after a 45-year absence, generating significant demand for accommodation and travel packages. Travel demographics have shifted, with roughly 17pc of Spanish travellers now choosing September to enjoy milder weather, lower prices and reduced crowds.
Despite high intent to travel, agencies report heightened price sensitivity among customers, who increasingly compare alternatives and delay bookings to find promotions that align tightly with budgets. This trend has positioned travel agencies as vital partners for tailored budgeting and consumer protection. The September surge follows an exceptional first half of the year where Spanish travel agencies nearly doubled their turnover growth, with geopolitical tensions steering international travellers toward the Western Mediterranean as a “refuge destination”.
UNAV-Fetave shared the September outlook reflects strong advance reservations and a shift in travel patterns toward the early autumn season.
