Tourism Revenue in Spain Hit a Record High in 2025

Tourism Revenue in Spain and France

In 2025, Spain generated €135 billion in international tourism revenue while receiving 97 million foreign visitors. This marks one of the highest figures in the country’s history and an absolute record for the European market. The total revenue is nearly double that of France, where international tourism receipts reached €77.5 billion.

Spain’s revenue growth is linked to higher average spending per visitor and longer stays. The tourism sector remains highly profitable and continues to play a significant role in the country’s economic growth.

In France, international tourism revenue increased by 9% compared to 2024 and by 37% relative to 2019. The gap in total revenue reflects differences in demand structure and revenue-generation models.

The Gap Between Visitor Numbers and Revenue

In 2025, France welcomed 102 million international tourists, maintaining its status as the most visited country in the world. However, shorter average stays often limit per-visitor spending. Many travelers include France as part of a broader European itinerary.

Spain is oriented toward longer-stay tourism. Resort areas, beach destinations, and well-developed hotel infrastructure encourage extended visits and higher spending on accommodation, dining, and leisure activities.

The structure of tourism supply also influences overall performance. France traditionally excels in cultural tourism, including museums, architecture, and historic city centers. Spain emphasizes the resort model, where average spending is higher due to longer stays and bundled services.

Tourism in France: Key Source Markets

In 2025, France’s largest source markets were Germany and Belgium, with 14.6 million visits each. The United Kingdom accounted for 13.1 million tourists, and Switzerland for 9 million. Geographic proximity and strong transport links support a steady flow of short-term travel from neighboring countries.

Long-haul markets showed stronger growth dynamics. Tourist arrivals from the United States increased by 17%, strengthening France’s position in the high-spending segment. Interest from Japan also grew, signaling a gradual recovery in Asian demand.

Total tourism spending in France, including both international and domestic travel, reached €222 billion. Domestic tourism remains an important stabilizing factor, supporting the sector during fluctuations in external demand.

More than half of commercial overnight stays were concentrated in southern regions — the French Riviera, Provence, and Languedoc. Southern destinations retain their leadership due to favorable climate conditions, developed infrastructure, and strong brand recognition. At the same time, the concentration of visitor flows in a limited number of areas has intensified discussions about achieving a more balanced distribution of tourism activity across the country.

Tourism Outlook for 2026

In 2026, Spain aims to approach the milestone of 100 million international tourists following 97 million in 2025. Major hotel operators expect average room rates to rise by around 5%. Analysts forecast an increase in tourism’s contribution to GDP of 2.5–2.7%, bringing the sector’s share of the economy close to 13%. The number of international visitors to France could exceed 108 million in 2026 if the overall European growth pace is maintained.

According to the European Travel Commission, total international tourist arrivals to Europe may grow by approximately 6.2% in 2026 compared to 2025. The main driver will be the recovery of long-haul markets, particularly from Asia: arrivals from China are expected to increase by about 28%, and from India by around 9%.

Conclusion

Analysts at International Investment note that global tourism is increasingly shifting its focus from visitor volumes to economic return. Spain has demonstrated stronger monetization of tourist flows, securing leadership in revenue. France has maintained its position as the most visited country while reinforcing revenue recovery. Forecasts for 2026 indicate continued growth across Europe, though competition among leading destinations will increasingly depend on demand structure, length of stay, and the ability to increase average tourist spending. Geopolitical risks and existing restrictions may also influence the sector’s trajectory.