The Spanish tourism sector has reached a historic financial milestone in the first eleven months of 2025. According to data from National Statistics Institute (INE), spending by international tourists amounted to 126.707 millones de euros, exceeding by 6,9% the figure for the same period of the previous year and surpassing the total accumulated for the entire year 2024.
Decoupling between spending and arrivals: towards higher-value tourism
The data confirms a structural change in the national tourism model. While spending soared by almost 7%, visitor arrivals grew at a more moderate pace of 3,4%, reaching 91,4 million tourists until November. This trend validates the sustainability strategy promoted by the sector and the administration, focused on prioritize quality over quantity.
In the monthly analysis, November 2025 reinforced this trend. Spain received 5,7 million tourists (2,1% more), but these generated a higher turnover than the 8.000 millones de eurosThis represents a 5% increase. The 2,9 percentage point difference between the increase in spending and the increase in visitors demonstrates greater profitability per tourist.
Tourism Balance January – November 2025 vs. November 2025
Indicator
Cumulative Data (Jan-Nov)
Var. YoY
Data November
Var. YoY
Total Expense
126.707 M€
+ 6,9 %
8.000 billion euros (approx.)
+ 5,0 %
Visitors
91,4 Millions
+ 3,4 %
5,7 Millions
+ 2,1 %
Profitability: increases average daily spending
The sector's profitability is reflected in individual spending patterns. In November, each tourist spent an average of 1.399 Euros2,9% more than a year ago. Even more significant is the data from average daily expenditure, which climbed 5,4% to reach 188 Euros.
Regarding the duration of trips, the majority of stays remained in the range of four to seven nights, accounting for more than 2,7 million tourists, although this segment experienced a slight decrease of 1,3%.
Leading source markets and destinations
El United Kingdom It maintains its dominance as the main source market, both in volume and spending. Through November, the British accounted for 17,8% of total spending, with a notable increase of 12,7% in November alone. They are followed by Germany, (11,8% of accumulated spending) and France (8,7%), although both showed slight decreases in their spending during the penultimate month of the year.
Regarding domestic destinations, the geographical distribution varies depending on the season:
- Annual total (Expense): Catalonia leads with 18,5% of the total, followed by the Balearic Islands (17,5%) and the Canary Islands (16,4%).
- Leader in November: Canary Islands It positioned itself as the main destination in the winter season, attracting 1,46 million visitors (+0,9%) and 27,7% of the total spending for the month.
- Outstanding growth: La Region of Madrid It recorded a 14,6% increase in tourist spending in November.
| Issuing Country | Visitors (Nov) | Expenditure (Nov) | Main Destination (Nov) | Visitors Received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | > 1.000.000 | 1.303 M€ | Canary Islands | 1.461.395 |
| France | 695.770 | 581 M€ | Catalonia | 1.273.727 |
| Germany, | 667.000 | 949 M€ | Andalucía | 825.983 |
Key points and frequently asked questions about Tourism Spending 2025
How much did international tourists spend in Spain in 2025?
Through November 2025, total spending amounted to 126.707 millones de euros, a record figure that already exceeds all that was spent during the entire year of 2024 (€126.282M).
Which autonomous community received the most tourists in November?
Canary Islands It was the main destination in November, receiving 1.461.395 visitors, representing a growth of 0,9% compared to the previous year, followed by Catalonia and Andalusia.
Is the number of tourists growing more, or the money they spend?
Spending is growing faster than arrivals. In November, spending increased by 5% while the number of visitors grew by 2,1%, consolidating a more profitable model with a higher average daily spend (€188).
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