Published on
December 2, 2025
Spain’s tourism sector is set for continued growth in 2026, with an expected surge in international arrivals, hotel bookings, and air travel. This growth is driven by rising global demand for Spain as a holiday destination, with major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga leading the way. The increase in bookings and air capacity is a testament to Spain’s enduring appeal, as travelers plan their visits earlier and airlines expand routes to meet the growing interest. Despite challenges, the country’s tourism industry remains a vital economic driver and is poised for another record-breaking year.
Spain’s tourism sector is projected to experience continued growth in the coming year, with new data showing an increase in bookings from foreign travelers for the holiday season and the beginning of 2026. This trend highlights the country’s ongoing popularity as a tourist destination, though the mass tourism model remains a subject of debate.
As the second-most visited country globally, just behind France, Spain’s tourism numbers have long been impressive. Recent figures from Amadeus tourism intelligence indicate a 4 percent increase in international tourist arrivals to Spain between November 2025 and February 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. This boost is expected to be spread across major cities and regions. Madrid, for instance, is forecast to see a 12 percent year-on-year rise in tourist numbers, while Barcelona follows with a 9 percent increase, and Malaga with a 3 percent growth.
Hotel bookings are also on the rise, with a 7 percent increase in reservations compared to last year. This suggests that travelers are planning their visits earlier, driven by growing international demand. Spain’s hotel industry is feeling the impact of this shift, benefiting from the surge in early bookings for the holiday season and the upcoming year.
Air travel to Spain is expected to grow as well, with air capacity set to increase by 7 percent between January and June 2026. This includes an 8 percent rise in connections from the United States, which is expected to further boost Spain’s status as a preferred destination for overseas travelers. The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, and the Netherlands are projected to continue driving the majority of international flights to Spain, further cementing its position as a top destination for global tourists.
Despite the growth in tourism, Spain’s goal of reaching 100 million international visitors by 2026, a target shared by many in the government and the tourism industry, seems increasingly unlikely. By the end of summer 2025, it became clear that this milestone would not be met, with projections indicating that the country will close 2025 with around 97 million international tourists, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Notably, July 2025 marked a record high for international arrivals, with 11 million visitors, primarily from the UK, France, and Germany.
Even as tourism continues to grow, experts point to several factors that have slowed its pace. Weaker spending power among European and US tourists, as well as rising travel costs, are contributing to a slowdown in the sector. These factors make it unlikely that Spain will hit the 100 million visitors mark by 2026, despite the optimistic forecasts earlier this year.
This news may be welcomed by locals in certain regions of Spain, where anti-tourism protests have become more frequent. These protests, often sparked by concerns over the rise in property prices linked to short-term rentals like those offered by Airbnb, highlight the growing frustrations surrounding overtourism. In popular destinations such as Barcelona, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and Málaga, the negative effects of mass tourism have been felt most acutely, with crowded streets, inflated housing prices, and an overwhelming number of visitors in popular tourist hubs.
Protests have also spread to other cities, including San Sebastián and Seville, where residents have voiced concerns over the social and economic impacts of the influx of tourists. Many locals are calling for more sustainable tourism practices that can balance the economic benefits of tourism with the well-being of residents.
In response to these concerns, Spain’s tourism office has been actively encouraging travelers to explore lesser-known regions of the country. With a focus on spreading the benefits of tourism more evenly across the country, the aim is to reduce the strain on overburdened cities and regions, promoting sustainable travel and encouraging visitors to discover the hidden gems of Spain.
While mass tourism continues to drive growth in Spain’s economy, it has also highlighted the need for a more balanced approach to tourism management. The country’s tourism officials are under increasing pressure to find solutions that will ensure the sustainability of the industry while addressing the concerns of local communities who feel the negative effects of tourism.
With a combination of record-high bookings, growing international interest, and ongoing protests, Spain’s tourism model faces a delicate balance as it moves into 2026. The country’s tourism strategy will likely continue to evolve as it strives to meet the demands of international travelers while also addressing the concerns of its residents, ensuring that tourism remains a driver of economic growth without compromising the quality of life for those who live in Spain’s most popular destinations.
