Spain | Analysis of national tourist flows in real time between January and April of 2024

Summary

According to BBVA credit card data, the first months of the year have been characterized by a slowdown in the growth of tourist spending in Spain compared to the last months of 2023, weighed down by the decline in consumption by Spaniards and despite the rebound of foreign tourism.

Key points

• Key points:
• Between January and April 2024, total tourist spending (domestic and foreign) grew by 8.1% y/y (5 pp less than in the previous quarter).
• In the same period, tourist spending by Spaniards outside their usual province of residence registered a drop of 2.7% y/y (+9.3% y/y in the previous quarter), while spending by foreigners in Spain accelerated its growth to 20.0% y/y, 2 pp more than the previous period.
• During Easter 2024, total tourist spending fell 1.4% year-on-year compared to the same holiday period last year. The drop was entirely due to the domestic segment, while the foreign segment showed progress.
• National tourist spending grew in only five communities in the first four months of 2024. The Balearic Islands stood out, which is also the only region where growth accelerated compared to the previous period. On the other hand, Madrid, the Canary Islands and Aragón registered the greatest declines.
• All regions except Madrid presented an increase in total tourist spending (national plus foreigners) in the first four months of the year. The growth in the islands, C. Valenciana and Andalusia, stood out. Foreign tourism supported growth in all regions and especially in the islands, Navarra and the Mediterranean coast.

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