A record number of tourists
With more than 85 million international visitors, Spain stands out as one of the most requested destinations worldwide. Tourism expenditure has reached the impressive figure of 108,000 million euros, underlining the attractiveness of the country for travelers. This sector has contributed significantly, with 186,596 million euros, representing 12.8% of Spanish GDP.
Expansion and employment in the sector
The tourism industry has experienced remarkable growth, generating 95,224 new jobs in 2023. This evolution has allowed a decrease in temporary employment, which has stood at 8%, and currently represents 17% of total employment in country
Spain on the international stage
The impact of the sector’s recovery has been recognized globally. Spain is positioned as the second world tourist power according to the Travel and Tourism Development Index prepared by the World Economic Forum for 2024.
Recognition of contributions to tourism
In addition to these revealing data, the Coordinated Institute of Governance and Applied Economics (Icgea) has carried out a study to recognize the contributions of 20 companies and organizations that have been crucial in the tourism value chain.
Key Actors of the Public Sector
Among the public institutions, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism stands out, which has developed the Sustainable Tourism Strategy of Spain 2030, with the aim of facing future challenges. AENA has also played an essential role, reporting an income of 5,141.8 million euros thanks to the modernization of the airports.
Innovation and success in private enterprise
On a private level, Amadeus has established itself as a global player, operating in more than 190 markets, with a diversified team of more than 18,000 professionals. In the hotel sector, Meliá Hotels International is positioned as a leader in Spain, alongside large groups such as Barceló, which has reached a business volume of 6.7 billion euros.
The impact of leisure and entertainment
PortAventura World stands out as the most visited theme park in the country, with more than 5.5 million visitors and a workforce of more than 2,000 workers. This attraction is an example of strategic alliances in the field of entertainment.
The decisive role of airlines
Airlines such as Iberia and Vueling are essential for Spanish tourism. Iberia is internationally recognized and occupies a relevant position in the global market. At the same time, Vueling has stood out as one of the operators with the fastest growth in Europe.
Digital transformation in the sector
eDreams ODIGEO has stood out for its innovation with a travel subscription model, with more than 5.8 million users. Finally, organizations such as Exceltur and the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies play a crucial role in the digitization and professionalization of the industry.
