Historical Record in Tourism in Spain
With an astonishing number of more than 85 million international visitors and spending exceeding 108 billion euros, Spain has reached unprecedented numbers in its tourism history. This country has established itself as one of the favorite destinations globally, and the contribution of the tourism industry to the economy has been notable, with an impact of 186,596 million euros, which represents 12.8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). ). Beyond the numbers, this industry has been responsible for 70.8% of national economic growth.
Job Creation and International Recognition
In addition to the economic impact, the tourism sector has generated 95,224 new jobs this year, thus achieving a reduction in temporary employment to 8%, which represents approximately 17% of the total jobs in Spain. This growth has been acclaimed worldwide, placing Spain as the second global tourism power according to the Travel and Tourism Development Index of the World Economic Forum 2024.
Recognition of Key Entities and Companies
The Coordinated Institute of Governance and Applied Economics (Icgea) has carried out a recent analysis that recognizes the work of 20 entities from both the public and private sectors, which have played a fundamental role in the tourism value chain.
The Role of Public Institutions
Within the public sector, the importance of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism is highlighted, which has been working on the implementation of the Sustainable Tourism Strategy of Spain 2030. This plan aims to address medium and long-term challenges, promoting a model tourism that provides greater added value. Likewise, Turespaña collaborates closely with the private sector to ensure that Spain continues to be competitive as a tourist destination. On the other hand, AENA has marked a record year with revenues reaching 5,141.8 million euros, contributing significantly to the expansion and modernization of airports.
Innovation in the Private Sector
In the private field, Amadeus stands out as an important supplier in the travel industry, operating in more than 190 markets and employing more than 18,000 professionals of various nationalities. In the hotel field, Meliá Hotels International is presented as one of the largest companies in the world and the leader in Spain, thanks to the vision of Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, who has guided the transformation of the group. The Barceló Group has also stood out, reaching a business record of 6.7 billion euros in its last financial year.
Tourism references in Spain
Hotel Chains and Amusement Parks
Other important hotel chains such as NH Hotel Group, and RIU Hotels & Resorts, which stands out as the 33rd largest chain in the world, have also contributed to the growth of the sector. Meanwhile, Palladium Hotel Group and Grupo Iberostar have shown a strong commitment to sustainability in their operations. In terms of tourist attractions, PortAventura World has gone further, positioning itself as the highest-grossing theme park in Spain and among the 20 best on the planet, exceeding 5.5 million visitors in 2023.
Leaders in Air Transport
In the airline sector, Iberia and Vueling are key to tourism in Spain. Iberia, which maintains a focus on long-haul flights, remains the country’s most valuable airline and ranks 27th globally. For its part, Vueling has emerged as one of the fastest growing airlines in Europe. Globalia, which encompasses several brands including Air Europa, Be Live Hotels and Halcón Viajes, is also a key player, as is Air Nostrum, one of Europe’s leading regional airlines.
Innovation and Modernization of the Sector
We cannot forget eDreams ODIGEO, a company that has revolutionized the sector by introducing the first subscription product in the field of travel, currently having more than 5.8 million members. With a track record of more than a decade incorporating artificial intelligence, eDreams ODIGEO serves more than 21 million customers in 44 markets and works with nearly 700 airlines. As another prominent competitor, Viajes El Corte Inglés establishes itself as one of the leading travel agencies in Spain, operating more than 500 branches.
Tourism Promoting Organizations
Finally, it is important to mention several fundamental organizations in the promotion of the sector, including Exceltur, the Spanish Tourism Board and the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies (CEAV), which are committed to advancing the digitalization, modernization and professionalization of tourism in the country. Thanks to these collaborative efforts, Spain continues to shine as a world-class tourist destination.