- The Nordic countries are Spain’s most profitable source market.
- The United States ranks second and Italy third.
- England and France generate high volumes but lower returns per visitor.
- Catalonia, the Canary Islands and Andalusia account for most hotel bookings.
- International travellers spend an average of around €1,236 per trip.
Analysis of Spain’s inbound market by INE has identified the Nordic countries as the most profitable source markets, followed by the United States and Italy. England and France generate high volumes but lower returns per visitor. Catalonia, the Canary Islands and Andalusia continue to account for the majority of hotel bookings.
Spain’s main volume and spending markets are led by England, France, Germany and Italy. Long-haul and regional segments like the United States and the Nordic countries represent high-value, high-spending cohorts. International travellers to Spain spend an average above the broader European baseline of around €1,236 per trip, with long-haul markets like the US and high-income regions like the Nordics contributing to Spain’s shift toward higher-value tourism.
The data reflects a strategic pivot in Spanish tourism policy aligned with the Spain Tourism Strategy 2030 away from mass volume toward higher-value tourism. By focusing marketing efforts on the Nordics and the US, Spain maximises economic returns while mitigating infrastructure and social pressures associated with overtourism. The Nordic countries rank first for profitability, followed by the United States and Italy.
